Lilium performing integration testing of Lilium Jet electrical power system
Lilium has successfully completed the first phase of integration testing of its Lilium Jet’s power system, the German eVTOL manufacturer has revealed, representing a “key milestone on the path to flight conditions approval and type certification” of the upcoming aircraft.
The first phase of integration testing was competed at Lilium’s electric power system lab in the company’s Munich test campus, developed and built in cooperation with Italian supplier EN4 and making “extensive use” of NI (formerly National Instruments) software and hardware. Customised software allows Lilium engineers to run tests and gather information in real time, which will provide safety and compliance evidence to regulators during the upcoming EASA type certification process.
The electrical power system lab “replicates the Lilium Jet’s powertrain in a controlled environment,” explains Lilium. It also integrates low voltage systems supplying the aircraft’s avionics and cabin systems, onboard energy isolation units that prevent hazardous energy release, and a charging station.
“From first flight to certification and product launch, the lab enables us to demonstrate that our aircraft will be a world-leading product,” commented Stephen Vellacott, Lilium’s chief technology officer.
EN4 business development director added that his company 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;” adding that NI’s test and measurement technologies are able to ensure “extremely high accuracy in the measurements provided, while also maintaining operational flexibility”.
Lilium’s first two conforming prototypes continue to progress on the production line – the first to be used exclusively for ground testing and the second for the first piloted flight.
