Image source: topwar.ru
The German aerospace company Lilium has chosen Orlando International Airport in the US state of Florida to arrange a site for the placement of electric jets of its own design. The choice of Orlando airport is due to its convenient geographical location, which provides significant volumes of passenger traffic. In addition, Lilium is likely to become another German company that, due to the crisis in Germany, is gradually transferring its production facilities to other countries, in particular the United States.
The German company has concluded a number of agreements with the government of the American state involving cooperation in the field of high technologies, in particular concerning the testing of Lilium electric jets.
In addition, Lilium signed a memorandum of understanding with the Government of Saudi Arabia in 2023, which, among other things, involves the purchase by Riyadh of 100 units of jets produced by the company. Saudi airline Saudia plans to use these planes to transport premium class passengers throughout the kingdom.
Image source: topwar.ru
The Lilium Jet five-seat electric airplane is powered by 36 electric motors - six on each of the two front wings and twelve on each rear wing. The flaps equipped with actuators ensure vertical take-off of the machine. Lilium Jet has a range of 300 kilometers. Its electric motors are powered by 1 MW lithium-ion batteries.
Lilium GmbH plans to create an urban and intercity air taxi service using Lilium Jet. The company predicts that in about 10 years, unmanned vehicles may become the predominant mode of transport.