Lilium Starts Integration Testing of Lilium Jet Electrical Power System

Rhea-AI Summary

Lilium (NASDAQ: LILM), a leading electric aircraft manufacturer, has completed the first phase of integration testing for the Lilium Jet's electrical power system. This milestone is important for flight conditions approval and type-certification of the aircraft. The testing was conducted in a purpose-built laboratory at Lilium's Munich headquarters, which replicates the Jet's powertrain in a controlled environment.

The lab, developed in cooperation with Italian supplier EN4, allows engineers to simulate flight profiles, run tests, and gather real-time data. It also provides a safe environment to test fault scenarios and demonstrate system robustness. This testing phase is critical for demonstrating the aircraft's safety and compliance with EASA's SC-VTOL certification requirements.

Simultaneously, Lilium is progressing with the production of the first Lilium Jets for the type-certification program. The company has already conducted extensive flight testing with its Phoenix test aircraft, achieving full transition from vertical to horizontal flight and a cruise speed of 136 knots (250 km/h).

Positive

• Completion of first phase of electrical power system integration testing, a key milestone for certification
• Purpose-built laboratory replicates Lilium Jet's powertrain for controlled testing
• Collaboration with EN4 for advanced testing solutions
• Progress in production of first Lilium Jets for type-certification program
• Successful flight testing of Phoenix test aircraft, achieving vertical to horizontal transition and 136 knots cruise speed

Negative

• None.

Aerospace Engineer

The successful completion of the first phase of integration testing for the Lilium Jet's electrical power system marks a significant milestone in the development of this revolutionary aircraft. This achievement demonstrates Lilium's progress towards flight conditions approval and type-certification, important steps for bringing the Lilium Jet to market.

The new electrical power system lab, replicating the Jet's powertrain in a controlled environment, allows for comprehensive testing of core functionalities. This includes simulating flight profiles, testing low voltage systems and verifying safety measures like onboard energy isolation units. The ability to inject faults and demonstrate system robustness is particularly noteworthy, as it's essential for meeting stringent aviation safety standards.

From an engineering perspective, this integrated testing approach is critical for identifying and resolving potential issues before actual flight tests, potentially saving time and resources in the long run. The collaboration with EN4 and the use of NI's advanced software and hardware further underscores the sophistication of Lilium's testing capabilities.

Financial Analyst

Lilium's progress in electrical power system integration testing is a positive indicator for investors. This milestone suggests that the company is moving closer to commercialization of its innovative electric aircraft, potentially leading to revenue generation in the future.

However, it's important to note that Lilium is still in the pre-revenue stage and significant challenges remain before the Lilium Jet can be brought to market. The company's cash burn rate and ability to secure additional funding will be critical factors to watch.

The partnership with EN4 and use of NI's technology demonstrate Lilium's commitment to high-quality development processes, which could help mitigate technical risks. Investors should monitor Lilium's progress towards type-certification and its ability to meet projected timelines, as these will be key determinants of the company's long-term success and potential market valuation.

Aviation Safety Expert

The integration testing of Lilium Jet's electrical power system is a crucial step in ensuring the safety and reliability of this novel aircraft design. The ability to simulate various flight conditions and inject faults in a controlled laboratory environment is essential for identifying potential safety issues before actual flight tests.

Lilium's approach aligns with EASA's SC-VTOL rules, which set stringent safety standards for electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft. The company's focus on demonstrating system robustness to failures is particularly important, given the innovative nature of the Lilium Jet's propulsion system.

However, it's important to note that this is just one step in a complex certification process. Lilium will need to continue demonstrating the safety and reliability of its aircraft through extensive ground and flight testing. The transition from vertical to horizontal flight, already demonstrated with the Phoenix test aircraft, will be a critical aspect to monitor in future safety assessments.

• Key milestone towards verification of safety of flight and type-certification of the Lilium Jet
• New lab precisely replicates the Lilium Jet’s electric powertrain from battery pack to engine

MUNICH, Aug. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lilium (NASDAQ: LILM), a leading electric aircraft manufacturer and pioneer in Regional Air Mobility (RAM), has successfully completed the first phase of integration testing of the Lilium Jet’s electrical power system at the company’s purpose-built laboratory. The test completion represents a key milestone on the path to flight conditions approval and type-certification of the revolutionary Lilium Jet. It means that, while 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 new electrical power system lab is located at Lilium’s headquarters as part of the company’s test campus on the outskirts of Munich. The electrical power system lab replicates the Lilium Jet’s powertrain in a controlled test environment. The lab also integrates low voltage systems that supply the aircraft’s avionics and cabin systems, onboard energy isolation units that prevent hazardous energy release, and a functioning charging station.

Using customized software, Lilium engineers plot flight profiles, run tests, and gather corresponding data in real time. The data gathered will be used to provide evidence to the airworthiness authorities to demonstrate the aircraft’s safety and compliance with the type-certification requirements.

The lab, which also provides a safe environment in which to inject faults and demonstrate system robustness to failures, has been developed and built in cooperation with Italian supplier EN4, a specialist in advanced testing solutions for aerospace, automotive, railway and industrial applications. For the testing environment, Lilium and EN4 have made extensive use of state-of-the-art software and hardware provided by NI, formerly known as National Instruments.

Stephen Vellacott, Lilium’s Chief Technology Officer, said: “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. 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: ​ “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.”

In parallel, Lilium continues to progress with the production of the first Lilium Jets which will be used as part of the Lilium Jet type-certification program. The first Lilium Jet will be used exclusively for ground testing and the second jet will be used for the first manned flight.

From 2015 to today, Lilium has produced multiple generations of technology demonstrators through which it has tested and refined the core technology subsystems for the Lilium Jet. Since 2022, two of Lilium’s Phoenix test aircraft, a full-scale 5-seater design representative of the flight physics and technology of the Lilium Jet, have performed extensive flight testing in Spain, including full transition from vertical to horizontal flight and cruise speed of 136 knots (250 kilometers per hour).

Contact information for media:
Christine Pierk
+49 151 539 199 45
christine.pierk@lilium.com
press@lilium.com

Contact information for investors:
Rama Bondada
Vice President, Investor Relations
investors@lilium.com

About Lilium:

Lilium (NASDAQ: LILM) is creating a sustainable and accessible mode of high-speed, regional transportation for people and goods. Using the Lilium Jet, an all-electric vertical take-off and landing jet, designed to offer leading capacity, low noise, and high performance with zero operating emissions, Lilium is accelerating the decarbonization of air travel. Working with aerospace, technology, and infrastructure leaders, and with announced sales and indications of interest in Europe, the United States, China, Brazil, the UK, the United Arab Emirates, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Lilium’s 1,000 strong team includes approximately 500 aerospace engineers and a leadership team responsible for delivering some of the most successful aircraft in aviation history. Founded in 2015, Lilium’s headquarters and manufacturing facilities are in Munich, Germany, with teams based across Europe and the U.S. To learn more, visit www.lilium.com.

Lilium Forward Looking Statements   

This press release contains certain forward‐looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws, including, but not limited to, statements regarding: (i) Lilium N.V.’s and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Lilium Group”) proposed business and business model, including the ongoing development of its support and services organization; (ii) the markets and industry in which the Lilium Group operates or intends to operate; (iii) the Lilium Group’s progress towards type certification (and type certificate validation) of its Lilium Jet with EASA and the FAA, including development of an engineering simulator to support this process; and (iv) the production, certification, flight testing program, delivery schedule, and related timelines for the Lilium Jet, including Lilium’s use of the electric power systems lab described in this press release. These forward‐looking statements generally are identified by the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “expect,” “estimate,” “future,” “intend,” “may,” “on track,” “plan,” “project,” “should,” “strategy,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions. Forward‐looking statements are predictions, projections, and other statements about future events that are based on management’s current expectations with respect to future events and are based on assumptions and are subject to risk and uncertainties that are subject to change at any time. Actual events or results may differ materially from those contained in the forward‐looking statements. Factors that could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward‐looking statements in this press release include those risks and uncertainties discussed in Lilium’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including in the section titled “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 20‐F for the year ended December 31, 2023, on file with the SEC, and similarly titled sections in Lilium’s other SEC filings, all of which are available at www.sec.gov. Forward‐looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. You are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward‐looking statements, and Lilium assumes no obligation to, and does not intend to, update, or revise these forward‐looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

FAQ

What milestone has Lilium (LILM) recently achieved in the development of its electric aircraft?

Lilium has successfully completed the first phase of integration testing of the Lilium Jet's electrical power system in a purpose-built laboratory at its Munich headquarters.

How does Lilium's new electrical power system lab contribute to the Lilium Jet's development?

The lab replicates the Lilium Jet's powertrain in a controlled environment, allowing engineers to simulate flight profiles, run tests, gather real-time data, and demonstrate system robustness to failures. This is important for verifying the aircraft's safety and compliance with certification requirements.

What progress has Lilium (LILM) made in flight testing its aircraft technology?

Lilium has conducted extensive flight testing with its Phoenix test aircraft, a full-scale 5-seater design representative of the Lilium Jet. These tests have achieved full transition from vertical to horizontal flight and a cruise speed of 136 knots (250 km/h).

What are the next steps for Lilium (LILM) in the development of the Lilium Jet?

Lilium is progressing with the production of the first Lilium Jets for the type-certification program. The first jet will be used for ground testing, while the second will be used for the first manned flight.