During the Spring, we published a story about Lilium, the flying taxi startup hailing from Munich. At that point, the startup had just managed to have its electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) craft hover above the ground.
Now, just months later, Lilium has proven its flying taxi was worth all the hype after posting a video online that shows the Lilium Jet taking off, flying at speeds over 100 kilometers per hour, and landing again. According to the company, the VTOL jet has completed more than 100 ground and flight tests, including safety tests, and it will now move on to the second phase, which will test performance at high speeds.
Lilium Jet is powered by 36 electric engines that give it 2,000 horsepower and will allow it to cruise at up to 300 km/hour (186 mph). It has the potential to carry five passengers, and it will have zero operating emissions. By 2025, the company plans to begin commercial service flights.
This story was one of the best from 2019, and we are happy to include it in our “12 Days of Optimism” as we get ready to welcome 2020!
