A very different aircraft design powered by multiple electrically powered jets took off for the first time last week. The Lilium Jet has vertical takeoff and landing capabilities and this first flight was unmanned. However, the company’s vision is to use it as an air taxi platform. The proof-of-concept, named Eagle, has two seats. In its final form, the Lilium jet will be designed for five people.
Electric VTOL Jet Designed for Air Taxi Takes Flight
Key Takeaways:
- The Lilium Jet, a novel electrically powered aircraft, successfully performed its first unmanned vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) flight, demonstrating its ability to transition to forward flight using rotating motors.
- Envisioned as a five-seat air taxi, Lilium aims to provide on-demand urban air mobility services, such as a 5-minute flight from Manhattan to JFK for an initial cost of $36.
- With targeted performance of 160 knots and a 160 nm range, the Lilium Jet faces significant challenges including aircraft certification, establishing robust battery recharging infrastructure, and ensuring pilot availability.
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