Lilium, 5 passenger electric airplane. Who needs a car; let’s fly to work.

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Hey, do you ever fantasize of having your own airplane? And by that I mean one of those miniature electric or jet airplanes that you can land anywhere? Just imagine; you can fly to work and just land it on the parking loot. Thanks to company called Lilium this fantasy is becoming a reality…

So, if you like drones, then you will definitely like this electric airplane developed by Lilium. Undoubtedly, influenced by current drone technology because it features vertical take-off and landing, VTOL in short-this airplane shows a lot of promise.

Lilium Jet White Front (doors closed & with gear) electric airplane — Lilium Jet White Front (doors closed & with gear): source Lilium

The first two seated prototype testing was performed on April 20^th, 2017 in Munich which showed impressive results.

Lilium Jet Flying (electric airplane) — Lilium Jet Flying: source Lilium

Keep in mind, this was an unmanned prototype test; however, according to Lilium, manned testing will commence sometime in 2019. Also, a 5 passenger version is in development which can be used as part of taxi service, much like Dubai’s Ehang 184 drone taxi.

Lilium Landing Pad (Pier) electric airplane — Lilium Landing Pad (Pier): source Lilium

Speaking of taxi service, Lilium has some interesting plans and ideas when to comes expanding the use of this technology. One of those things is Uber like features; “Now, I can use my app to call air taxi”.

Lilium App (Vision) electric airplane — Lilium App (Vision): source Lilium

To me, one of the most curious and impressive aspects is the use of multiple fan engines that allow for vertical take-off and landing. This electric airplane will have a top speed of 300km (186mph) and travel distance of 300km as well. Also, by watching test video, it appeared that airplane was very stable; which is definitely something I’d want for day to day travel.

Lilium Map (electric airplane path) — Lilium Map: source Lilium

Taxi Airplane Specifications:

Number of passengers: 5
Number of engines: 36
Range: up to 300 km (186miles)
Cruising velocity: 300 km/h (186 m/h)
Wing span: 10 m
Concept: Canard with powered lift
Take-off and landing: vertically
Flight Envelope Protection (Fly-by-wire)
Whole aircraft parachute

Thanks to battery development over the years, I have no doubt that this type of transportation will be in our future. This is largely thanks to required advancement pushed by mobile technology and electric cars.