Lilium, a prominent manufacturer of electric aircraft and a trailblazer in Regional Air Mobility (RAM), has achieved a major milestone by successfully conducting the initial systems power-on test on its groundbreaking all-electric Lilium Jet. This successful test on the first production Lilium Jet, MSN 1, marks a significant advancement towards its inaugural flight and certification. The test validates that the aircraft is being constructed according to Lilium's platform design and that the flight systems are operating as intended.
Upon startup, the aircraft receives a high-voltage (900 Volts) input which is then transformed to power the low-voltage electrical and avionics systems, such as the cockpit display, flight controls, communication, navigation, and surveillance systems. This step aligns with the standard power-on acceptance test process typically employed in traditional commercial aircraft production.
Stephen Vellacott, Lilium CTO, commented: “Power-on is an important quality gate in the production process of any commercial aircraft. The two Lilium Jets now on our final assembly line, and those to come, will be conforming aircraft, built to the specifications of our design organization, according to documented processes and in line with established aerospace procedures. When it comes to aircraft production, process control, repeatability, traceability, and above all safety is paramount. Achieving this first power-on milestone demonstrates that we’re on track.”
MSN 1 will serve as Lilium's test aircraft, known as the "ironbird," playing a crucial role in the certification process by demonstrating flight safety and compliance with airworthiness standards. MSN 2, the second Lilium Jet, is nearing completion and is scheduled for its first piloted flight in early 2025. Meanwhile, production of the fuselage for MSN 3 is currently in progress at the supplier's facility. Lilium plans to utilize a total of six test aircraft to achieve type certification and commence operations by 2026.
In August of this year, Lilium accomplished the initial stage of electrical integration testing at the company's specialized electrical power system lab (EPSL). This test setup mimics the full powertrain of the Lilium Jet, encompassing everything from the battery pack to the engine, situated outside the aircraft within a controlled testing environment. Up to this point, Lilium has effectively examined various fundamental electrical features at the EPSL, such as high voltage distribution, low voltage conversion and distribution, health reporting, and charging systems.
Lilium is developing an environmentally friendly and convenient form of fast, regional transportation for individuals and cargo. By utilizing the Lilium Jet, an electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft engineered to provide excellent capacity, minimal noise, and top-notch performance while producing zero operating emissions, Lilium is advancing the reduction of carbon footprint in air travel.
Collaborating with top companies in aerospace, technology, and infrastructure, Lilium has garnered significant interest in its products from various countries including Europe, the United States, China, Brazil, the UK, the United Arab Emirates, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. With a workforce exceeding 1,000 members, Lilium boasts around 500 aerospace engineers and a leadership team credited with the successful development of groundbreaking aircraft models. Established in 2015, Lilium is headquartered in Munich, Germany, where its manufacturing facilities are also located, while its teams are spread across Europe and the US.
Comments