Lilium kicks off integration testing for the Lilium Jet power system
Lilium writes that the completion of the tests represents an important milestone on the way to flight condition certification and type certification of the Lilium Jet. The company is also aiming for a streamlined process and writes: “the first two Lilium Jets take shape on the production line, engineers are already verifying the design of the aircraft’s core powertrain functionalities that will support certification according to EASA’s SC-VTOL rules.”
The electrical power system lab is located at Lilium’s headquarters in Munich, Germany, where it replicates the Lilium Jet’s powertrain in a controlled test environment. In addition to the powertrain itself, the lab also employs low voltage systems that supply the aircraft’s avionics and cabin systems, onboard energy isolation units that prevent hazardous energy release, and an operational charging station to fully simulate the operations of the electric aircraft. The lab was developed and built in cooperation with Italian supplier EN4, a specialist in advanced testing solutions for aerospace, automotive, railway and industrial applications.
“With the completion of the first phase of electrical power integration and verification testing at our dedicated lab we have again reached a critical milestone in the Lilium Jet development,” said Stephen Vellacott, Lilium’s Chief Technology Officer, adding: “In this new lab, we test flights, charging, and simulate failure scenarios to ensure that our powertrain meets stringent aviation safety and reliability standards. From first flight to certification and product launch, the lab enables us to demonstrate that our aircraft will be a world-leading product.”
Gianluca Franchi, EN4 Business Development Director added: “Thanks also to NI’s test and measurement technologies we were able to provide a comprehensive solution for Lilium’s Electrical Power System Lab, ensuring extremely high accuracy in the measurements provided, while also maintaining operational flexibility essential for a dynamic sector like electric aerial mobility.”
The last reports on Lilium show the company in a somewhat precarious financial situation, as the company considered leaving Germany due to lacking state aid recently, and has looked at funds from France. However, the company also remains on an expansion course and opened a branch in China in June, as well as announcing a major order from Saudi Arabian airline Saudia.
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