Lilium Achieves Power-On Milestone with First Lilium Jet
Lilium N.V., a leading electric aircraft manufacturer and pioneer in Regional Air Mobility (RAM), has completed the first power-on milestone of its revolutionary all-electric Lilium Jet. The successful test procedure on the first in-production Lilium Jet, MSN 1, represents a significant achievement on the path to first flight and certification, confirming that the aircraft is built in accordance with Lilium’s platform design and all conventional flight systems are functioning correctly.
At power-on, the low-voltage electrical systems managing the aircraft’s avionics – including cockpit display, flight controls, communication, navigation and surveillance systems, with the respective wiring and power distribution units – were switched on and tested aboard a Lilium Jet for the first time. The milestone thus corresponds to the customary power-on acceptance test procedure used in conventional commercial aircraft manufacturing. In the weeks ahead, following installation of the aircraft’s batteries and propulsion units, Lilium’s production teams will power-up and test the aircraft’s high-voltage systems that provide the thrust for cruise flight, vertical take-off and landing.
Yves Yemsi, Lilium COO, commented: “Power-on is an important quality gate in the production process of any commercial aircraft. The two Lilium Jets now on our final assembly line and those to come will be conforming aircraft, built to the specifications of our design organization, according to documented process and in line with established aerospace procedures. When it comes to aircraft production, what matters for the certifying authorities is process control, repeatability, traceability, and above all safety. Achieving this first power-on milestone demonstrates that we’re on track.”
MSN 1 is due to become Lilium’s lab test aircraft, or “iron-bird”. It will be a fully functional aircraft and key asset for the certification program, being used to prove safety of flight and compliance with airworthiness requirements. The second Lilium Jet, MSN 2, also currently in final assembly, is the first aircraft that Lilium intends to fly with a pilot on board. Lilium intends to fly a total of six test aircraft up to type-certification and entry into service, targeted for 2026.
In August this year, Lilium successfully completed the first phase of electrical integration testing at the company’s dedicated electrical power system lab (EPSL), a test rig that replicates the Lilium Jet’s full powertrain, from battery pack to engine, outside the aircraft in a controlled test environment. Lilium has so far successfully tested several core electrical functionalities at the EPSL, including high voltage distribution, low voltage conversion and distribution, health reporting and charging systems.
