Photo: Lilium
The German manufacturer of the Lilium eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) jet is getting closer to the highly-anticipated official launch moment after a long certification journey that started in 2017.
At the beginning of this year, VFS (The Vertical Flight Society) announced that more than 760 eVTOL concepts were cataloged in its World eVTOL Aircraft Directory, the world's only resource of its kind. More than 100 had been registered just a year before, confirming the incredible growth of this emerging industry.
Out of more than 700 all-electric aircraft concepts, only a handful are worth remembering, in the sense that we can expect to see them in operation within the next few years. One that clearly stands out among all others is the Lilium eVTOL jet, a groundbreaking concept developed in Germany.
The Lilium design team started from a simple premise, stating that 95% of the current commercial aircraft with conventional propulsion are powered by jet engines. What if they could develop a similar propulsion technology for emission-free, all-electric aircraft? Years of research and development ultimately led to Lilium electric jet engines, based on a single-stage rotor/stator system that is driven by an electric motor.
The startup's proprietary DEVT (Ducted Electric Vectored Thrust) technology is supposed to bring massive advantages in terms of payload, noise levels, and aerodynamic efficiency, also making the futuristic jet easier to operate. The aircraft's design, with no tail, fixed wings, and the engines integrated into the wing flaps, was also specifically geared toward optimal aerodynamic performance.
Lilium recently became the only eVTOL manufacturer holding both an FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and EASA (The European Union Aviation Safety Agency) certification basis for its flagship product, officially defined as a power lift eVTOL aircraft. The Lilium jet design has already reached its sixth generation so far.
Following this major success, the German air mobility company hit another milestone. It finally completed the last DOA (Design Organization Approval) audit by EASA. Apart from the aircraft certification process, all aircraft manufacturers must get official approval for designing and certifying flying vehicles. The EASA DOA was an important requirement for Lilium, which applied for it back in 2017.
There are still some administrative steps left, yet Lilium hopes to obtain the DOA certificate by the end of this year. This puts it right on track to launch commercial services by 2025.
A luxury version of this innovative jet-powered eVTOL will be available for private customers in the UK through a collaboration with eVolare. The Lilium Pioneer Edition Jet will be launched in a limited series of just 50 units, each boasting a luxurious, highly-customizable cabin.
Other operators in Europe and worldwide will only have access to the standard Lilium air taxi with six seats and the cargo version.
Out of more than 700 all-electric aircraft concepts, only a handful are worth remembering, in the sense that we can expect to see them in operation within the next few years. One that clearly stands out among all others is the Lilium eVTOL jet, a groundbreaking concept developed in Germany.
The Lilium design team started from a simple premise, stating that 95% of the current commercial aircraft with conventional propulsion are powered by jet engines. What if they could develop a similar propulsion technology for emission-free, all-electric aircraft? Years of research and development ultimately led to Lilium electric jet engines, based on a single-stage rotor/stator system that is driven by an electric motor.
The startup's proprietary DEVT (Ducted Electric Vectored Thrust) technology is supposed to bring massive advantages in terms of payload, noise levels, and aerodynamic efficiency, also making the futuristic jet easier to operate. The aircraft's design, with no tail, fixed wings, and the engines integrated into the wing flaps, was also specifically geared toward optimal aerodynamic performance.
Lilium recently became the only eVTOL manufacturer holding both an FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and EASA (The European Union Aviation Safety Agency) certification basis for its flagship product, officially defined as a power lift eVTOL aircraft. The Lilium jet design has already reached its sixth generation so far.
Following this major success, the German air mobility company hit another milestone. It finally completed the last DOA (Design Organization Approval) audit by EASA. Apart from the aircraft certification process, all aircraft manufacturers must get official approval for designing and certifying flying vehicles. The EASA DOA was an important requirement for Lilium, which applied for it back in 2017.
There are still some administrative steps left, yet Lilium hopes to obtain the DOA certificate by the end of this year. This puts it right on track to launch commercial services by 2025.
A luxury version of this innovative jet-powered eVTOL will be available for private customers in the UK through a collaboration with eVolare. The Lilium Pioneer Edition Jet will be launched in a limited series of just 50 units, each boasting a luxurious, highly-customizable cabin.
Other operators in Europe and worldwide will only have access to the standard Lilium air taxi with six seats and the cargo version.
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