Struggling eVTOL company Lilium has been rescued from the edge of insolvency by an investment consortium called Mobile Uplift Corporation (MUC) which has rebranded the company to Lilium Aerospace.
Lilium was at the advanced stages of developing the Lilium Jet when the company hit financial problems that led to all work being halted but employees of the company are now back at work and MUC says it is “working intensively to ensure that operations can be resumed as soon as possible” with minimal delays to the timeline for development of the Lilium Jet.
MUC has agreed to investment capital totalling more than €200 million for Lilium after attempts to get a state-backed loan from the German government fell through at the end of last year leaving the company bankrupt.
Lilium Jet was showcased last year at the Farnborough International Air Show and has received global attention. Saudia Group has signed up for 50 of them to offer as a premium service for its passengers for airport transfers.
Lilium Jet Key Facts
- Type: Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) Aircraft.
- Manufacturer: Lilium Aerospace.
- First Flight: The Lilium Jet prototype had its maiden flight in May 2019.
- Propulsion: Distributed electric propulsion with up to 36 electric jet engines.
- Speed: Capable of speeds up to 300 km/h (186 mph).
- Range: Designed to cover distances of up to 300 km (186 miles) on a single charge.
- Capacity: Planned to accommodate 4-6 passengers plus a pilot.
- Design: Features a fixed-wing design with ducted fans for vertical and horizontal flight.
- Noise: Designed to be significantly quieter than traditional helicopters, with a noise level below 60 dBA during takeoff and landing.
- Charging: Equipped with fast-charging capabilities to minimize turnaround time.
- Safety Features: Includes multiple redundant systems, advanced flight control, emergency parachute system, and high structural integrity.
- Environmental Impact: Zero-emission aircraft, fully electric with no direct CO2 emissions.
