Lilium N.V.'s technology demonstrator Phoenix 2 has achieved main wing transition. The company says it is the first ever full-size electric jet aircraft to transition from hover to wing-borne flight, which is a landmark moment for Lilium and for electric aviation as a whole.

From a flight physics perspective, completing transition means the airflow going over the flaps attaches and becomes smooth, allowing the lift to be generated by the wing (as in conventional fixed wing aircraft), rather than by the engines (which is the case during the hovering phase).

Phoenix 2 has now achieved this milestone across the entire main wing while, most importantly, remaining stable and behaving as predicted by Lilium's proprietary Flight Dynamics Model.

Matthias Meiner, Phoenix chief eEngineer and Lilium co-founder says: “Main wing transition is a huge step forward on our path to launch and it validates our Flight Dynamics Model. Full credit goes to the outstanding Lilium team who worked so hard to get us here, and who remain laser-focused on the rest of the Flight Test Campaign.”

Lilium will continue its Flight Test campaign throughout the summer, expanding the flight envelope further, including transition of the forward canards and high-speed flights.

Meranwhile, Lilium and Livent have agreed to collaborate on the advancement of lithium metal technology for use in high-performance battery cells. Collaborating with Livent, a pioneer in lithium technology innovation and a global leader in lithium production for nearly eighty years, is an important step towards securing Lilium's future access to the high-performance battery cell technology that will power Lilium's jets.

Livent supplies lithium to many of the world's premier electric vehicle brands and battery makers. As a fully integrated lithium producer, Livent uses its differentiated technology processes to both source raw lithium and manufacture a range of specialty lithium products in an environmentally responsible, safe and sustainable manner.

Yves Yemsi, coo at Lilium says, “This collaboration is a milestone in Lilium's commitment to revolutionize regional air travel. Innovation is at the heart of our mission, and to keep innovating we need to collaborate with the best in the industry. Livent's unique expertise in lithium production, as well as their commitment to sustainably responsible practices, makes them an ideal partner.”

Marina Yakovleva, director of research & development and new business development for Livent adds: “The Livent R&D team is excited about the opportunity to work closely with the leading scientists and engineers at Lilium to advance the state of the art in e-mobility and battery technology. Innovation is in the DNA of both companies, as is a shared commitment to advancing electric transportation and sustainability solutions. Together, we hope to drive meaningful progress in realizing the potential of next generation battery technologies and decarbonizing air travel.”