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 new electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) aircraft using multiple rotating electric jets for thrust vectoring, successfully completed its first unmanned flight, demonstrating both vertical and forward flight.
- Envisioned as a five-person, on-demand air taxi, the company aims to make short-distance air travel as affordable and convenient as car rides, targeting speeds of 160 knots and a range of 160 nm.
- Lilium has an ambitious goal to provide ultra-fast, affordable trips (e.g., Manhattan to JFK in 5 minutes for $36), despite facing significant challenges such as aircraft certification, establishing charging infrastructure, and pilot availability.
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