Lilium has achieved the initial power-on procedure with the first full-scale example of its six-passenger eVTOL aircraft. Announcing the milestone on October 1, the German company said powering up the Lilium Jet’s systems is an important step towards the start of flight testing, which is anticipated in 2025.
Engineers at Lilium’s headquarters near Munich applied 900 volts of power to the MSN 1 aircraft, and this was converted to supply the low voltage needed for its electrical and avionics systems, including cockpit displays, flight controls, communications, navigation, and surveillance systems. The MSN 1 airframe will be used as a ground-based “iron bird” testbed. The MSN 2 aircraft, which is now in final assembly, will launch the flight test program with a pilot on board.
According to Lilium, the MSN 1 airframe will be a fully functional aircraft, contributing data for the initial EASA type certification program. It will be used to prove flight safety and compliance with airworthiness requirements.
A third aircraft, designated MSN 3, is now being built by Lilium’s suppliers. The company plans to fly six test examples of the Lilium Jet, which it aims to start delivering in 2026.
In August, Lilium completed the first phase of electric integration testing in its own electrical power system lab. This is a test rig that replicates the aircraft’s full powertrain, including battery packs and its 30 ducted fan electric engines in a controlled environment.
Elsewhere, Lilium is working with partners to prepare the ground infrastructure needed to support commercial operations. It has recently launched a partnership with the Galaxy FBO group, which has facilities at three Houston-area airports.
The manufacturer is offering four- and six-seat versions of the Lilium Jet. The aircraft will have an initial single-charge range of 96 nm and a cruise speed of 136 knots.