Sustainable Jet Design Inches Closer to Certification

Lilium has completed the first phase of integration testing using their in-house lab, ticking off a key milestone on the way to eventual certification.

As the lab works on tying together the electric powertrain's batteries and engines, workers on the production line are already beginning to assemble the first two Lilium Jets for the upcoming certification campaign. The lab will replicate a Jet's powertrain in a controlled test environment, checking systems that will eventually become the backbone of the sustainable aircraft. The aircraft isn't the only thing getting some attention from engineering, with Lilium techs working on a functioning charging station and onboard energy isolation units to prevent a hazardous in-flight release of energy should the worst come to pass.

“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. "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, said their work in designing a suitable test environment with Lilium was some of their best yet.? “We are proud to have partnered with Lilium in building this cutting-edge test rig, which has been designed to be a long-term asset supporting the Lilium Jet through certification and beyond. 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.”

FMI: www.lilium.com