Hyundai Motor Group and Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd. (KAI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) solutions. The two parties plan to use Hyundai’s expertise in electrified aviation powertrains and KAI’s aircraft airframe development capabilities.
“By combining Korea Aerospace Industries’ integrated capabilities in fixed-wing and rotorcraft systems with Hyundai Motor Group’s large-scale manufacturing expertise and comprehensive mobility ecosystem, we expect to develop K-AAM solutions capable of competing at the global level,” KAI President and CEO Jong-chool Kim said.
Supernal, Hyundai’s U.S.-based AAM affiliate, and KAI will jointly develop the aircraft. Separately, Hyundai and KAI will collaborate on the commercialization of electrified aviation powertrains being developed by a Hyundai sub-division.
The collaboration reportedly extends beyond the sharing of technological and human resources to include broad cooperation across supply chains, certification processes and global customer networks. The two companies also plan to identify new areas of cooperation across the broader aviation industry.
Earlier this month, Supernal appointed Farhan Gandhi as the company’s new chief technology officer. With more than 30 years of leadership in rotorcraft research, Gandhi brings a background in vertical lift vehicle technologies and is expected to play a pivotal role in Supernal’s next phase of technological advancement.
Since its establishment in 1999, KAI has delivered platforms such as the KT-1 basic trainer aircraft and the Songgolmae (RQ-101) unmanned aerial vehicle. The company plans to expand its business into the civilian air mobility sector.
