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Lilium Begins Testing Electric Jet Power Systems

The manufacturer put the aircraft’s electrical power system, comprising 30 engines within flaps on the main wing and canard, through a series of simulations and tests.

Thursday, August 22, 2024 at 04:05 PM ET

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Lilium is running tests on the Lilium Jet’s powertrain at its electrical power system lab outside Munich, Germany. [Courtesy: Lilium]

Key Takeaways:

Lilium has begun testing the electrical power systems for its vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) jet at a purpose-built laboratory in Munich, successfully completing the first stage of integration.
These crucial tests aim to demonstrate the Lilium Jet's powertrain performance and safety to the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), with a goal for certification by 2026 under SC-VTOL rules.
The advanced lab simulates flights, charging, and failure scenarios for the aircraft's 30 battery-electric engines, collecting real-time data to ensure compliance with aviation safety and reliability standards.
After these power system tests, Lilium plans ground testing for its first manufactured jet, with the second jet expected to make its debut flight in early 2025.

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At a purpose-built laboratory on the outskirts of Munich, German manufacturer Lilium has begun testing the electrical power systems that will juice up its vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) jet.

The company on Wednesday announced it completed the first stage of power system integration testing, during which the technology was put through a series of simulated flights in a controlled environment.

Jack Daleo

Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.