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 aircraft featuring multiple rotating jets for vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL), successfully completed its first unmanned flight, demonstrating both vertical and forward flight.
- Envisioned as an air taxi, the five-seater Lilium Jet targets a speed of 160 knots and a range of 160 nm, aiming to make short-distance air travel as affordable as a car ride.
- The company plans to offer on-demand booking via smartphones, but faces substantial challenges including aircraft certification, pilot availability, and establishing charging infrastructure.
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