Lilium has achieved a major milestone with the successful completion of the first systems power-on test of its revolutionary all-electric Lilium Jet. This procedure, carried out on the first in-production Lilium Jet (MSN 1), marks a crucial step towards the aircraft's first flight and eventual certification. The test confirms that the jet is being constructed in line with Lilium's platform design and that its flight systems are operating as intended.
During the power-on test, high voltage (900 volts) was applied to the aircraft, which was then converted to supply low-voltage power to the electrical and avionics systems, including cockpit displays, flight controls, communication, navigation, and surveillance systems. This process mirrors the standard power-on acceptance test used in conventional commercial aircraft manufacturing.
Stephen Vellacott, Lilium's Chief Technology Officer, commented: “Power-on is an important quality gate in the production process of any commercial aircraft. The two Lilium Jets now on our final assembly line, and those to come, will be conforming aircraft, built to the specifications of our design organisation, according to documented processes and in line with established aerospace procedures. When it comes to aircraft production, process control, repeatability, traceability, and above all safety is paramount. Achieving this first power-on milestone demonstrates that we're on track.”
The MSN 1 aircraft is set to become Lilium's lab test aircraft, or “ironbird”, and will serve as a key asset for the certification programme, helping to prove flight safety and compliance with airworthiness requirements. The second aircraft, MSN 2, currently in final assembly, is expected to become the first Lilium Jet to fly with a pilot on board in early 2025. Production of the MSN 3 fuselage is already underway at the supplier's facility. Lilium aims to operate a fleet of six test aircraft for type-certification and entry into service, which is targeted for 2026.
In August, Lilium successfully completed the first phase of electrical integration testing at its dedicated Electrical Power System Lab (EPSL). This facility replicates the Lilium Jet's entire powertrain—from battery pack to engine—outside the aircraft in a controlled environment. To date, Lilium has successfully tested several core electrical functions at the EPSL, including high-voltage distribution, low-voltage conversion and distribution, health reporting, and charging systems.
