Lilium N.V. announced that it has started installation of assembly equipment for the serial production of the Lilium Jet?s propulsion units. Prototype Lilium Jet propulsion units are due to start coming off the new line in Second quarter of 2024, to be used for testing and the flight test campaign. This development marks another important milestone in the industrialization of the Lilium Jet, following the start of production of the Lilium Jet in late 2023.

For design and construction of the Lilium Jet?s propulsion assembly line, Lilium has partnered with Schnaithmann Maschinenbau GmbH, the German automation and robotics company that is also supporting Lilium with workflow design and jigs and tools for Lilium?s aerostructures assembly and the Lilium Jet final assembly line. Based near the automotive hub of Stuttgart, Schnaithmann is a global leader in designing and supplying automated, scalable industrial solutions, with long-standing partnerships in high-volume industries, especially automotive. Collaboration between Lilium and fstarted several years ago with initial development of production plans for the Lilium Jet.

Lilium?s aerostructures assembly line is already utilizing equipment provided by Schnaithmann for handling of the Lilium Jet?s wings and canards. The propulsion assembly line announced is located in the same building as Lilium?s aerostructures assembly line. First Lilium Jet engine build: The electric jet propulsion unit is a core company technology and key to providing the required performance, unit economics and comfort for regional air mobility.

Consisting of electric jet engines integrated into the propulsion mounting system that forms the rear part of the wings and front aerofoils, the Lilium Jet?s unique propulsion system will provide advantages in payload, aerodynamic efficiency and a reduced noise profile, while also providing thrust vector control to maneuver the Lilium Jet through every phase of flight. Major subassemblies of the propulsion unit are delivered to Lilium by a team of qualified suppliers including Honeywell in alliance with Denso (e-motor), Aeronamic (fan), and SKF (electric motor bearings). In 2023, following successful testing and characterization of engine systems, including the fan, stator and e-motor, Lilium assembled the first complete Lilium Jet electric engine on a pre-series line.

The Lilium Jet e-motor has been designed to deliver power density of over 100kW from a system weighing just over 4kg.