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On May 4, Lilium N.V. (Munich, Germany) announced the start of wind tunnel testing on a complete 1 to 2.5 scale (40% size) Lilium Jet electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft model, including working engines and flap actuators, at the German-Dutch Wind Tunnels (DNW) facility in Marknesse, Netherlands. 

This latest campaign follows Lilium’s previous successful wind tunnel testing of aircraft sections in 2021 and 2022 and represents a major milestone in the development of the type-conforming aircraft. Having started in early May, the testing will enable Lilium to obtain a comprehensive aerodynamic dataset to validate its flight physics and performance predictions. The dataset will cover the complete aircraft flight envelope from hover to cruise. 

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The scale model was built according to the latest Lilium Jet design by TGR-E, a provider of high-end manufacturing solutions, supported by aerospace design specialists IBK-Innovation (Hamburg, Germany). The large size and low scaling factor chosen for the model enable test data to be generated that is representative of the full-scale aircraft in all phases of flight.  

The scale of the model was also made possible by the dimensions of the DNW facility, which is reported to be the largest wind tunnel in Europe, measuring 9.5 meters in width. Each flap is remotely actuated and equipped with electric ducted fans built to scale by aerospace propulsion enginers Schuebeler Technologies (Bad Lippspringe, Germany). 

According to Lilium, DNW has played an important role in the development of the aviation sector since its establishment in 1976 by the German Aerospace Center DLR and the Dutch National Aerospace Laboratory NLR. DNW’s wind tunnels have been used in the development of all Airbus aircraft, from the A300 to the A380 and A400M, as well as the Embraer E-jet family and numerous helicopters.  

“This is an important step in our aircraft program and it is exciting to see this large-scale Lilium Jet model with working engines and wing flaps,” Alastair McIntosh, CTO, Lilium, says. “We’ve been impressed by the cooperation with DNW so far and the support provided by TGR-E and IBK. We look forward to generating vast amounts of aerodynamics data on the aircraft and building further confidence in our design tools as we prepare for the start of final assembly later this year.” 

In addition to this development, Lilium has received a capital raise for up to $250 million, with $100 million funded at close. A Form 6-K was filed by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 1. The capital raise enables Lilium to continue the development of its Lilium Jet at full pace and would cover most of the estimated capital required to achieve first manned flight of the type-conforming aircraft.

Once this development milestone is achieved, which is planned for the second half of 2024, Lilium expects to benefit from the contribution of substantial pre-delivery payments (PDPs) which will help fund its subsequent capital requirements.

Lilium’s most recent , published on March 28, 2023, highlighted its continued achievements towards important milestones, including a successful high-speed Phoenix demonstrator flight, continued commercial momentum, confirmation of the Lilium Jet’s battery technology, certification progress and advances in our supply chain, all of which are accelerating the company towards the start of production of its first type-conforming aircraft.