Loving Lilium (17) The First Assembly Milestone

September 27, 2023, Menno van Diermen, Loving Lilium

Assembly Milestones

Lilium achieved this month significant milestones for assembly of the Lilium Jet, I refer to later in this article for more specific details about 1. The fuselage (the body) and 2. The propulsion system. To reach those milestones Lilium works with experienced partners, like Denso, Honeywell and Aciturri. Earlier this month, Lilium also contracted Saint-Gobain Aerospace for the development, series production, and customer support of the Lilium Jet’s windows and windshields.

The start of assembly serves as another tangible manifestation of Lilium’s strategic roadmap, demonstrating Lilium’s ability to progress from vision to the execution of the planned milestones: see the green fields in The Leaders Journey Roadmap.

I think that Lilium’s approach, working with experienced partners for development and production, ?is the only way to become the leading eVTOL for Regional Air Mobility. With this approach Lilium remains on track for the planned first manned flight in late 2024. Lilium assembles 7 “production type” Lilium Jets in order to achieve the major planned milestones of certification at the end of 2025 and entry into service at 2026.

Other Lilium Milestones

I’m waiting for other milestones, for more details see Loving Lilium (14) Waiting for Wings to Fly. Lilium needs more partners for strategy and synergy and more sales to airliners. Tencent as the major strategic shareholder (23,5%) is a great strategic partner for China market entrance. Lilium needs more, but I didn’t spot any new hints from Klaus Roewe in the media this month.

The share price still behaves like a call option on a (un)certain future, for more details see Loving Lilium (9) The Investors Journey. After the last summer top on $1,90 the Lilium share price recently fell again below $1 and that is disappointing, but mainly due to the risk off modus of the market. Lilium recently appointed Rama Bondada as head of Investor Relations. I met him earlier this week. Rama brings exceptional aerospace experience on both the buy and sell sides and a track record in equity research analysis.

Loving Lilium Milestone, preview now!

In October, I will officially introduce the Loving Lilium website and the e-Book. You can already take a preview now. I hope to inspire you and support your Leaders Journey with the e-Book and the Leaders Journey Roadmap. Don’t forget the question why The Leaders Journey of Lilium is the most inspiring example. It’s because they have the most challenging mission of all GreenTech companies; creating a revolution in aviation industry with the ambition to become the leading eVTOL in the RAM segment. The website and the regularly updated e-Book will explain everything to you why and how Lilium becomes the leading eVTOL.

More details about Lilium Assembly Milestones

1. Fuselage (body)

Last week Lilium announced that it has achieved a significant development milestone with the commencement of fuselage assembly for the Lilium Jet. A fuselage is the body of the aircraft, that houses the passengers and cargo. This is the first of seven fuselages for the seven aircraft Lilium will use to achieve type-certification of the Lilium Jet. This latest phase of Lilium’s program demonstrates the success of the strategic supplier partnership between Lilium and Aciturri, leveraging Aciturri's proficiency in design and manufacturing of high-quality Aerostructures. It follows a comprehensive industrial program review conducted in late-August 2023 in which leadership from Lilium and Aciturri reviewed and greenlighted the initial industrial production components and process.

Aciturri, who is a also Lilium investor, is an established aerospace supplier with nearly 50 years of experience in commercial aircraft programs, including the design and manufacturing of major airframe components for Airbus A350, A320, A400M, Boeing 787 and Embraer KC390 programs, amongst others. As well as supporting industrialization of the Lilium Jet, Aciturri will continue to support the Lilium Jet’s design optimization and certification in the years ahead.

Yves Yemsi (COO), said: “We’re delighted to kick off assembly of the first Lilium Jet fuselage at Aciturri, bringing us one step closer to reshaping sustainable regional air mobility. We see this as further evidence that our approach of teaming with proven aerospace suppliers to bring our cutting edge eVTOL aircraft to market is the optimal strategy as we advance along a path to certification and entry into service of the Lilium Jet.”

Klaus Roewe (CEO) commented: “This phase is more than just a technical step – it's a clear signal to all Lilium stakeholders of our commitment to making regional air mobility more efficient, enjoyable, and sustainable. As we assemble the fuselage, we are also crafting a transformative flying experience while upholding our promise of unparalleled efficiency, comfort, and safety.”

Maria Eugenia Clemente, CEO of Aciturri Aerostructures said: “Aciturri is committed to playing a leading role in the transformation of sustainable regional air mobility, which supports Europe’s goal of achieving climate neutrality. We are fully aligned with Lilium’s vision and design, and we are delighted to have evolved our partnership to such a foundational stage towards the birth of the Lilium Jet.”

2. Electric Propulsion System

Lilium Starts assembly of the Lilium Jet’s Revolutionary Electric Propulsion System. This is a key step towards industrialization of Lilium’s novel electric jet technology Propulsion system represents a cornerstone of Lilium’s iconic aircraft architecture, opening the way for superior performance, safety, unit economics and customer experience. The Assembly takes place at Lilium’s dedicated jet propulsion facility in Wessling, Germany. In the first phase of assembly, the propulsion system’s rotating parts, including the shaft, magnets and titanium compressor fan are assembled and mated with the associated static components such as the e-motor stator and guide vanes (for structural support and cooling). These are then integrated into the high performing engine.

In the next phase later this year, the electric engines will be integrated into the Lilium Jet’s propulsion mounting system, the unique flap structure that forms the rear part of the wings and front canards and that houses the propulsion and vectoring systems responsible for vertical and horizontal flight. The start of assembly follows extensive testing of propulsion subsystems delivered by partner-suppliers: the custom-designed aircraft e-motor, developed and built-in collaboration with Denso and Honeywell; the titanium compressor fan, developed and built in collaboration with Aeronamic; and electric motor bearings built in collaboration with SKF. In July this year, Lilium completed testing of a full-size prototype Lilium Jet fan and stator at Jetpel’s facilities, one of Germany’s leading aviation technology centers, which confirmed the fan design’s robust operating parameters. Additionally, testing has started on a prototype e-motor, for its mechanical, electrical, and thermal performance. The Lilium Jet e-motor has been designed to deliver industry-leading power density of over 100kW from a system weighing just over 4kg.

Yves Yemsi (COO), said: “The start of propulsion assembly represents a significant step towards industrializing the Lilium Jet. In the coming weeks we will be systematically working towards validating our manufacturing capabilities and preparing to deliver the propulsion units for initial aircraft integration and type-certification.”

Klaus Roewe (CEO), commented: “Today’s announcement brings us one big step closer to the dawn of a new, sustainable jet era. The iconic, sleek aircraft design is a key differentiator of the Lilium Jet. Thanks to the unique propulsion system and aerodynamic jet architecture, I believe the Lilium Jet will set the benchmark for the eVTOL industry, opening the way for superior performance, unit economics and comfort. 95% of commercial airplanes today use jet engines, which offer high safety in addition to the best cabin experience with low vibration and noise, combined with great payload and range potential.”

Daniel Wiegand (Co-Founder and Chief Engineer for Innovation & Future Programs) remarked: “For my fellow co-founders and myself, the start of industrial assembly of the Lilium Jet’s propulsion unit marks a special moment. It was our shared belief in the radical potential of our electric jet technology that formed the nucleus of our company and that has driven Lilium forward ever since. I’m more convinced than ever that our vision of a sustainable new form of high speed and affordable regional transportation will become a commercial reality.”

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Lilium - The Leaders Journey - The Full Story Book

You can find all single LinkedIn Loving Lilium articles here. But there is much more for inspiration! If you want to read The Full Story, you can download the Book for free on our website.

This book is about – you might have guessed already – Lilium. But it is not solely about the most promising and captivating innovation of full electric flying. This book is also about ‘The Leaders Journey’, a full-proof leadership model. I noticed how the Lilium Team follows this path and therefore I am convinced the world will be blown away when Lilium will be officially launched. It will be a revolution in the history of aviation.

Loving Lilium

So, in this book I am sharing the Lillium story, from the perspective of an investor. I instantly fell in love with the model and with the concept (hence the name ‘Loving Lilium’). I am a strong believer and therefore part of the so-called group of early adopters. I will be scanning the market to bring you stories on new developments. But I will also provide information from the inside out, because I was invited to interview members of the Lilium Team. So, if you are interested in Lilium, their sustainability journey, in electric flying and/or in aviation in general, this book will definitely be worth reading.

The Leaders Journey

This book also is about leadership and the journey towards a solid business with a strong business model. As an experienced business innovator I developed ‘The Leaders Journey’. The falling in love with Lilium (an act of the heart) was immediately complemented by the fact that Lilium is following a determined roadmap to success (a realisation of the mind). By telling the Lilium stories I will show you the powerful effect of the Leaders Journey Roadmap. You can of course translate this information to your own (to be created) business. The roadmap helps you finding your destination and setting new milestones. So, if you are interested in a full-proof business model, elaborated by the story of people who dare to dream big (or even sky high), this book will definitely inspire you.

A living book

This book is a living book in which Lilium and some of Lilium's customers will be followed for the next years. As a result, new updates of the book will appear at least monthly, featuring new stories. This book also compiles all previous publications. The most recent book is always available for free download at www.lovinglilium.com.

Menno van Diermen (mailto:[email protected])

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