MUNICH - Lilium N.V., an electric aircraft manufacturer in Munich, has achieved a milestone by powering on the first in-production Lilium Jet, known as MSN 1. This marks an important step toward ground testing and eventual flight certification of the all-electric aircraft.
The power-on procedure verifies the proper functioning of the flight systems and confirms the jet's construction is in line with Lilium's design standards. The systems powered up include cockpit displays, flight controls, and navigation systems, utilizing a 900-volt electrical supply converted to lower voltage for avionics.
Technology onboard includes Honeywell's MicroVCS [vapor cycle system], which aids in optimizing cabin cooling and regulating the electric battery temperatures of the aircraft. In addition to thermal management, the Lilium Jet utilizes additional Honeywell technologies including Anthem Avionics, DENSO electric motors, and flight controls.
Related: Lilium starts production of its high-performance battery packs for its upcoming eVTOL
"Power-on is an important quality gate in the production process of any commercial aircraft," said Stephen Vellacott, Lilium's CTO. "Achieving this first power-on milestone demonstrates that we’re on track."
MSN 1 will serve as a test platform, or "ironbird," to ensure flight safety and meet airworthiness standards. A second jet, MSN 2, is now in final assembly and is expected to carry a pilot in early 2025. Lilium plans to produce and test six aircraft before aiming for type certification by 2026.
In August, the company completed the first phase of electrical integration tests at its Electrical Power System Lab, where it successfully evaluated core functionalities, including voltage distribution and health reporting. In September, Lilium announced it had begun testing electrical power systems.
Stephen Vellacott, Lilium’s Chief Technology Officer, said last month “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.”
