Archer boosts eVTOL progress with €18m Lilium patent acquisition

The transaction marks a major consolidation in advanced air mobility and is expected to accelerate U.S. progress in ducted fan and electric flight technology.

Archer has completed the purchase of around 300 advanced air mobility patent assets from Lilium GmbH for €18 million, following a competitive bid. The acquired patents span high-voltage systems, battery management, advanced aircraft design, flight controls, electric engines, propellers, and ducted fans.

The acquisition reinforces Archer’s commitment to maintaining U.S. leadership in eVTOL development and follows broader consolidation in the sector, including the recent purchase of Volocopter by a Chinese buyer.

“Lilium’s pioneering work advanced the frontier of eVTOL design and technology, and we’re excited to bring their cutting-edge technologies into the fold at Archer as we advance our product roadmap,” says Adam Goldstein, founder and CEO of Archer Aviation.

Lilium had invested more than $1.5 billion in its eVTOL platform, developing key technologies that many regarded as ahead of their time. Archer gains what is considered one of the world’s strongest patent portfolios in ducted fan technology, expected to support its platforms and future designs.

Following the U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration’s MOSAIC final rule to modernise light-sport certification, Archer believes Lilium’s ducted fan technology could enable future innovation in both light-sport and regional air mobility.