The first phase of flight testing of Lilium Jet’s prototype unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has been completed. The new electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft is designed to carry five passengers at speeds in excess of 180 mph. It also successfully demonstrated the transition from vertical to horizontal flight.
Lilium expects to begin commercial passenger operations in 2025. Unlike other commercial UAV aircraft, Lilium aircraft will be able to operate between cities rather than as a local taxi service. Powered by 36 electric motors, the aircraft has a range of 186 miles (300 km), operating at speeds of more than 180 mph (300 kph).
Leandro Bigarella, chief of flight testing said, “The Lilium Jet continues to meet our expectations delivering excellent inflight performance and remarkably smooth transition from vertical to horizontal flight.”
Lilium also has completed the 32,292-sq-ft manufacturing facility at its Munich headquarters and is actively recruiting to fill 150 business and manufacturing positions.