Lilium N.V. (Nasdaq: LILM), a frontrunner in electric aviation and Regional Air Mobility (RAM), has successfully completed the first series of tests of its electric jet engine propulsion unit.
The electric jet engines were taken up to maximum thrust on the propulsion unit test bench. This was a landmark achievement and an important step towards verifying safety of flight of the Lilium Jet.
This successful test follows comprehensive testing of the Lilium Jet engine and the completed first build of Lilium Jet propulsion mounting system. The company has also seen the delivery of the first set of servo-actuators for the Lilium Jet.
Recent Engine Tests
The testing was conducted at Lilium’s dedicated propulsion unit test bed near Munich. This saw the electric engines reach maximum thrust for the first time.
This critical step validates the performance and reliability of the propulsion system. It now brings Lilium a major step closer to achieving its goal of zero-emission flight.
The propulsion unit is comprised of two electric engines housed within a mounting system. The system underwent rigorous evaluation to ensure both aerodynamic and electrical efficiency.
This success follows extensive testing of the individual engines, developed collaboratively with leading suppliers. These include Denso and Honeywell (e-motor), Aeronamic (compressor fan), and SKF (electric motor bearings).
Stephen Vellacott, Chief Technology Officer, Lilium: “Completing the first engine test is a momentous occasion for Lilium.”
“It underscores our expertise in electric jet propulsion technology and the years of investment in research and development. This achievement brings us a step closer to the first manned flight. It paves the way for a future of commercial electric aviation.”
Daniel Wiegand, Co-Founder and Chief Engineer for Innovation & Future Programs, Lilium also gave comment. “This test run signifies another high point in our journey.”
“Our shared vision for the transformative potential of electric jet technology has driven Lilium since its founding in 2015. This milestone brings us closer to not only achieving manned flight but also realizing our goal of commercial service.”
Gearing Up for Production
Lilium is actively preparing for initial series production of the Lilium Jet propulsion unit at its assembly line near Munich.
Recent developments include the completion of the first propulsion mounting system by aerostructures supplier Aernnova.
This structure houses the propulsion and vectoring systems, forming the rear of the wings and front aerofoils.
Additionally, Sener, a Spanish industrial engineering and technology group, delivered the first set of servo actuators earlier this month.
These actuators enable the propulsion units to rotate, facilitating the transition between vertical takeoff and landing mode and horizontal flight for the Lilium Jet.
Lilium will utilize the propulsion units manufactured in the coming months for ground testing and integration into the first flight aircraft.
About Lilium
Lilium (NASDAQ: LILM) is creating a sustainable and accessible mode of high speed, regional transportation for people and goods.
The Lilium Jet is an electric vertical take-off and landing jet (eVTOL), designed to offer leading capacity, low noise, and high performance with zero operating emissions.
Lilium has now gained sales and indications of interest in Europe, the United States, China, Brazil, the UK, the United Arab Emirates, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Lilium’s 1000+ strong team includes approximately 500 aerospace engineers and a leadership team responsible for delivering some of the most successful aircraft in aviation history.
Founded in 2015, Lilium’s headquarters and manufacturing facilities are in Munich, Germany, with teams based across Europe and the U.S.
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