Lilium, the German electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft manufacturer, has successfully completed the initial phase of integration testing for its Lilium Jet’s power system. This achievement marks a significant milestone on the road to securing flight conditions approval and type certification for the forthcoming aircraft.
The testing was conducted at Lilium’s electric power system laboratory, located at the company’s Munich test campus. The lab was developed in collaboration with Italian supplier EN4 and extensively utilizes software and hardware from NI (formerly National Instruments). The custom-built software enables Lilium’s engineers to conduct real-time tests and gather critical data, which will be used to demonstrate safety and compliance to regulators during the upcoming European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) type certification process.
According to Lilium, the power system lab accurately replicates the Lilium Jet’s powertrain within a controlled environment. It integrates essential components such as low-voltage systems for avionics and cabin operations, onboard energy isolation units to prevent hazardous energy releases, and a charging station.
Stephen Vellacott, Lilium’s Chief Technology Officer, emphasized the lab’s importance in advancing the Lilium Jet towards certification and product launch. “From first flight to certification and beyond, the lab allows us to demonstrate that our aircraft will be a world-leading product,” he said.
EN4’s Business Development Director expressed pride in partnering with Lilium on the project, highlighting that the test rig is designed as a long-term asset to support the Lilium Jet through its certification journey and beyond. He also noted that NI’s test and measurement technologies provide extremely high accuracy in measurements while maintaining operational flexibility.
Meanwhile, Lilium’s first two conforming prototypes continue to progress on the production line. The first prototype will be used exclusively for ground testing, while the second is being prepared for the first piloted flight.
Related Topics:
