Supernal, whose cabin concept was displayed at the 2022 Farnborough International Air Show as shown here, is exploring the use of Honeywell’s Anthem flight deck for its eVTOL development program. (Photo: Supernal)
Hyundai Motor Group’s advanced air mobility subsidiary Supernal has signed an agreement with Honeywell Aerospace to “explore the integration” of the Anthem integrated flight deck into the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft they’re developing.
Honeywell unveiled Anthem as its first clean-sheet designed next generation flight deck in September last year. Now, the Phoenix, Arizona-based aerospace manufacturer is joining a group of more than 50 external partners that Supernal is currently working with on its eVTOL.
The Honeywell agreement is Supernal’s latest announced development partnership since signing an agreement with Electric Power Systems to develop lightweight eVTOL batteries during the 2022 Farnborough International Air Show.
Ben Diachun, chief technology officer, Supernal, said in a statement released about the new partnership that the company is “combining automotive’s high-rate manufacturing capabilities and aerospace’s high certification standards to build the foundation for everyday air vehicle transportation.”
Honeywell first unveiled its new Anthem integrated flight deck last year. (Photo: Honeywell Aerospace)
Anthem has already been selected by Lilium, the Munich-based eVTOL developer, as the cockpit system for its seven-seater Lilium Jet. Separately, Bristol, U.K.-based Vertical Aerospace will also use Anthem as the cockpit system for their VA-1X all-electric air taxi.
A key enabler of the built-in edge-to-cloud architecture of Anthem is its integrated network server unit (INSU) or aircraft data gateway that is embedded into its design. The INSU acts as a connectivity bridge for data flows into and out of the aircraft.
“Honeywell Anthem will change the way aircraft are piloted, and we believe that Supernal’s aircraft will be a shining example of how aviation will evolve to be smarter and more sustainable,” Stéphane Fymat, vice president and general manager, urban air mobility and unmanned aerial systems, Honeywell Aerospace, said in a statement. “Honeywell has a wide variety of ready-now solutions to help create a more sustainable future for the aviation sector, and we’re proud to be on this journey with Supernal.”