Lilium has completed the first series of tests of its electric jet propulsion unit.
For the first time, the electric engines were taken up to maximum thrust on a test bench, a key step towards verifying safe flight for the Lilium Jet.
The tests performed demonstrated expected levels of performance and reliability, said Lilium, boosting confidence in the maturity of its electric jet propulsion system.
The test program was carried out at Lilium’s propulsion unit test bed in Munich and comprised of two engines within a mounting system. The test bed has been designed for aerodynamic and electrical performance evaluation of Lilium’s jet technology.
The successful first test of the propulsion unit follows testing of the engine, developed and built in collaboration with Lilium’s team of suppliers, including Denso and Honeywell for the e-motor, Aeronamic for the compressor fan, and SKF for the electric motor bearings.
Stephen Vellacott, chief technology officer at Lilium said, “Completion of the first engine test is a significant achievement for Lilium, demonstrating once again our credentials as a world leader in the development of electric jet propulsion technology.
“Over the past years, we have invested heavily in the technology and secured extensive IP rights.”
Daniel Wiegand, co-founder and chief engineer for innovation and future programs said, “The first test run of the Lilium Jet propulsion unit marks another high point in our journey. This latest milestone brings us closer to first manned flight and our goal of commercial entry into service.”
In addition, Lilium is ramping up for initial series production of the Lilium Jet propulsion unit at its propulsion assembly line near Munich. Aerostructures supplier Aernnova recently completed the first build of the Lilium Jet propulsion mounting system, the structure that houses the propulsion and vectoring systems and forms the rear part of the wings and front aerofoils.
Spanish engineering and technology group Sener also delivered the first set of servo-actuators for the Lilium Jet earlier this month. The servo-actuators will enable the propulsion units to be rotated, allowing the aircraft to transition from vertical to horizontal flight and vice versa. Propulsion units coming off Lilium’s production line in the coming months will be used for ground testing and integration in the first-flight aircraft.
