Lilium Jet Powers On: A Leap Towards eVTOL Flights
Lilium, the pioneering developer of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, has achieved a significant milestone by successfully powering on its first in-production Lilium Jet, known as MSN 1. This jet will be utilized exclusively for ground testing to ensure safety ahead of its first piloted flight, which is scheduled for early 2025. The second jet, MSN 2, is currently in its final assembly phase, moving Lilium closer to its ambitious goals.
On October 1, 2024, Lilium announced that the power-on test confirms the aircraft is being built according to the company’s design specifications, with all flight systems functioning correctly. This marks a crucial step in the aircraft’s development, moving it closer to certification and operational readiness. While Lilium has previously conducted test flights with demonstrator models, such as Phoenix 3 in 2022, the current production jets are fully functional and to scale, set to play a vital role in the type certification program.
During the successful power-on test, the eVTOL aircraft received 900 volts to power its electrical and avionics systems, including cockpit displays, flight controls, communication, navigation, and surveillance systems. Stephen Vellacott, Lilium’s Chief Technology Officer, emphasized the importance of this milestone: “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. When it comes to aircraft production, process control, repeatability, traceability, and safety are paramount.”
The MSN 1 jet, referred to as Ironbird, will primarily focus on demonstrating safety for flight and ensuring compliance with airworthiness requirements. Meanwhile, MSN 2 will be the first to carry a pilot, and production of the MSN 3 fuselage is already in progress. Lilium plans to operate a total of six test aircraft to achieve type certification and aims for commercial entry into service by 2026.
In August 2024, Lilium completed the first phase of electrical integration testing at its dedicated Electrical Power System Lab (EPSL). This advanced test rig simulates the full powertrain of the Lilium Jet, encompassing everything from the battery pack to the engine, within a controlled environment. So far, Lilium has successfully validated several core electrical functionalities, including high-voltage distribution, low-voltage conversion, health reporting, and charging systems.
Recently, the Lilium Jet made its U.S. debut at Galaxy FBO’s hangar at Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). This partnership aims to enhance regional connectivity, with proposed routes linking Houston Hobby Airport to Galveston and Houston Spaceport to College Station, among others.
Additionally, Lilium has partnered with EMCJET, an aircraft brokerage and management company, to secure its position as one of the first customers upon the eVTOL aircraft’s delivery, slated for 2026. As Lilium forges ahead, its innovative approach positions it as a leader in the burgeoning eVTOL market, promising to transform urban air mobility in the years to come.
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