Munich-based startup Lilium has unveiled an all-electric jet prototype after its successful maiden flight.
Capable of vertical takeoff and “remarkably efficient horizontal or cruise flight” at a top speed of 300 km/h and a range of 300 km, the full-scale and full-weight prototype called Lilium Jet has five seats in total and is powered by 36 all-electric jet engines.
Designed without a tail, rudder, propellers, and gearbox, Lilium states that simplicity allows for safety and affordability.
With a focus on “creating a magical customer experience”, the prototype jet features a panoramic window and gull-wing doors.
“We are taking another huge step towards making urban air mobility a reality,” said Lilium co-founder and CEO Daniel Wiegand. “In less than two years we have been able to design, build and successfully fly an aircraft that will serve as our template for mass production.”
“The Lilium Jet itself is beautiful and we were thrilled to see it take to the skies for the first time,” added Wiegand. “With the perfect balance of range and speed, our aircraft has the potential to positively impact the way people choose to live and travel, all over the world.”
“While a maiden flight is always a moment of truth for a business, the Lilium Jet performed exactly as expected and responded well to our inputs,” said Lilium Head of Flight Test Leandro Bigarella. “Our flight test program will now continue with increasingly complex maneuvers as we look towards our next big goal of achieving transition flight, which is when the aircraft moves seamlessly from vertical to horizontal flight.”
Intending to utilize Lilium Jet as an on-demand air taxi, Lilium has stated that service is expected to be fully operational by 2025.
“We dream of a world where anyone can fly wherever they want, whenever they want,” stated Wiegand. “We’ve invested a tremendous amount of thought and care into designing an aircraft and a service that will let us deliver this, meeting society’s demands for urban air travel that is quiet, safe and environmentally positive.”
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