Media frenzy follows Lilium electric VTOL

So far Lilium Aviation has created a concept, several models claimed to prove the concept and an amazing amount of press coverage. The company, according to its own hype, will launch an electric light sport aircraft in less than two years’ time, capable of vertical take-off and landing, and with a cruise speed of 400km/h (250mph).

Daniel Wiegand, CEO and one of the company’s four founders, has managed to persuade an impressive list of companies and organisations to back the project, including the European Space Agency (EAA) which was responsible for the press release which kicked off last week’s media frenzy. It was sent out by ESA’s Technology Transfer Programme Office (TTPO) whose mission is to inspire and facilitate the use of space technology, systems and know-how for non-space applications.

Lilium Aviation is hosted by ESA’s  ‘business incubator’ and apparently “the world’s first vertical takeoff and landing aircraft for personal use will open the door to a new class of simpler, quieter and environmentally friendly planes available from 2018”.

“Our goal is to develop an aircraft for use in everyday life,” said Daniel Wiegand. “We are going for a plane that can take off and land vertically and does not need the complex and expensive infrastructure of an airport. To reduce noise and pollution, we are using electric engines so it can also be used close to urban areas.”

Lilium Aircraft was founded in February 2015 by four engineers and doctoral students from the Technical University of Munich, Germany. Lilium says it has proved the concept with several scale, 25kg prototypes. It also says the aircraft will have swivelling ducted fan engines enabling it to take off and land in an area of 15 x 15 metres.

“The plane is classed as a Light Sport Aircraft for two occupants, with the pilot’s licence requiring 20 hours’ minimum training – almost like taking a driving licence,” continues Lilium.

“It is intended for recreational flying during daylight, in good weather conditions and in uncongested airspace up to 3km altitude.”

If you believe all that then you may care to plonk down a deposit for the 300,000 euro aircraft which is due to be rolled out (aerospace term for coming out of the factory) in January 2018.

No mention has been made of flight tests, what airworthiness regulations it will aspire to meet, how they intend to meet the stated range of 500km given current battery technology, position of the regulators etc etc.

Lilium Aviation