Menno van Diermen (l) & Alfred van den Brink (r) visiting Lilium April 12, 2024
Recently, we had the opportunity to visit Lilium, situated near Munich in Bavaria, Germany. Upon arrival, we were immediately struck by the palpable positive energy permeating the environment, as all Lilium employees, affectionately known as “Lilians”, were laser-focused on achieving their 2024 year-end milestones: securing the permit to fly and accomplishing the inaugural manned flight.
As investors, our primary concern often revolves around financial considerations, such as the need for additional capital. However, stepping into Lilium’s facilities provides a profound shift in perspective. Engaging with the dedicated Lilians allows one to witness firsthand the incredible design, state-of-the-art testing facilities, assembly lines that are currently under construction, futuristic cabin layouts, the groundbreaking Manhattan passenger flight experience, and immersive pilot simulations.
In this visit experience, it becomes abundantly clear that Lilium is not just another player in the aviation industry but a trailblazer, leading the charge towards sustainable aviation practices. Amidst the awe-inspiring innovations, any fleeting concerns regarding short-term financial matters dissipate, replaced by a profound sense of excitement for the future of sustainable aviation.
We wholeheartedly encourage potential customers and strategic shareholders alike to embark on their own Lilium journey, immersing themselves in the vibrancy of what lies ahead for the aviation industry: sustainability, serenity, and safety.
Leading the revolution
Lilium stands apart from the evolutionary path taken by Joby, Archer, and countless other e-VTOL startups with open rotor systems boasting hover efficiency. Instead, Lilium pioneers a revolution, leveraging its unique design DNA, which features ducted fans strategically positioned within the wings to optimize both cruise and transition efficiency.
In our view, Lilium’s design DNA will shape the future of Regional Air Mobility (RAM), not only as an eVTOL but also as eSCTOL for extended range capabilities and for using more of the existing infrastructure. This design flexibility should enable Lilium scalability for increased passenger capacity and cargo to lower the costs per kilometer. As a result, we personally anticipate ranges of up to 500 km becoming a reality sooner than expected, thanks to Lilium’s innovative design DNA, that surpasses the battery technology evolution. Looking ahead, we plan to conduct interviews with Daniel Wiegand, co-founder and Chief Engineer for Innovation and Future Programs, to delve into the intricacies of Lilium’s pioneering design DNA. Additionally, we aim to interview CEO Klaus Roewe to understand why Lilium is poised to lead the RAM market.
But first and foremost, we invite you to join us for the Lilium Visit Experience.
Together with my friend and neighbor Alfred van den Brink, we departed for Munich on Thursday, April 11th. We opted for the traditional way, not by plane, but in a hybrid car, en route to an electric airplane. The contrast couldn’t have been greater, as if we were imagining visiting Elon Musk (Tesla) 10 years ago in a hefty V8 diesel pickup truck.
Alfred, as head engineer, brings a wealth of experience in sustainable development, including wind turbines, kite mills, and camera systems for trucks to replace large mirrors. My background leans more towards finance and business development. The visit provided us with the opportunity to delve deeply into the design DNA of Lilium and the potential it holds. After an evening dinner with our Lilium hosts, we prepared for the tour the next day at Hotel Der Obere Wirt zum Qeuri, 15 km southwards towards the hills leading to the Zugspitze.
Oberpfaffenhofen
The following day, upon arrival at Lilium, we realized why this location is ideal for Lilium and similar companies. It’s a vast complex of the former military airfield Oberpfaffenhofen, undergoing continuous development and attracting similar businesses. Lilium can quickly request additional buildings to be erected or repurposes, which could be beneficial as the production phase approaches. It appears some old buildings from the previous century can even be repurposed with simple modifications for Lilium’s new testing environments. Lilium is gearing up for the initial series production here, and they then plan to either expand on-site or elsewhere in the world, close to customers. It’s reassuring to know that this relocation process is relatively seamless since the Lilium Jet, after partial disassembly, can be easily shipped with all its parts.
We witnessed a Lilium Jet cabin mock-up rolling out a container, returning from a showcase.
Goosebumps
Our tour commenced at the Lilium museum, where all the previous scale models from the beginning of 2015 were on display. It was marvelous to witness the evolution from the initial creations to the current production design and how outdated the former seemed in comparison.
Our next stop took us into a vast hall. Walking around the Show Jet aircraft, you could feel shivers coursing through your body, sensing the presence of a truly unique creation, as if a colossal bird filled the space. If God created the earth with all its creatures, then who crafted this Lilium? Is it inspired by nature or drawn from a deeper source? It’s a question we may never definitively answer.
However, what’s certain is that when you experience the form of this aircraft, you’re touching the essence of creation itself, rather than experiencing the inflated drone-like sensation of eHang, Joby, Archer, and Vertical Aerospace. The contrast couldn’t be more striking, and customers will undoubtedly feel it and adjust their choices accordingly.
Testing Facilities
Next, with Lukas as our guide, who has been with the company essentially from day one, we were taken on a tour of several key testing facilities, including those for engines and construction. One of the old buildings is being repurposed for testing aerodynamic phenomena.
Assembly Facilities
Jan, Head of Manufacturing, guided us through the halls being prepared for production. Lilium started production and we could see the first fuselage. The plan is to do ground testing soon, followed by the first manned flight by the end of this year.
Assembly of the first Lilium Jet
Everything at Lilium is geared towards achieving this goal, and when we spoke with one of the founders later in the day, he confirmed that this has been the approach throughout the years: maintaining complete focus on reaching key milestones to progress further.
Design Laboratorium
Next, we were guided through Alberto Caruso’s design lab, where we got to see virtually various versions such as the Pioneer Edition and the Premium Edition. Alberto explained that the access door and cabin space will be even large enough to accommodate patients on stretchers. We were given a glimpse into the future of Lilium with 3D animations. Wow, the world should see this already; what a design, thanks to Alberto and his team.
The passenger flight and pilot experience with the acoustic and flight simulators
Next, we were greeted by Eddie and Andreas for the next two experiences in simulators. Firstly, we embarked on a journey as passengers over Manhattan, experiencing takeoff, cruising, and landing while focusing on vibrations and sound. It was evident that the aircraft was almost entirely free from vibrations, providing a modern control software experience. Sound was present but not disruptive; we didn’t even need to wear headphones. We savored the sights of Manhattan through the side windows, and this experience exceeded all expectations due to the high comfort of the flight. The same seamless experience awaited us in the flight simulator, where all flight controls and practical experiences with the technology demonstrators in Spain were incorporated.
We had the opportunity to pilot ourselves in Apeldoorn, starting at Paleis Het Loo, and despite lacking any pilot experience, we could navigate with ease using simple controls via 2 joysticks. The ease of operation was remarkable, in our opinion 100 times simpler than a helicopter, making it accessible for the new gaming generation to take off. Even the transition from hover to cruise was smooth. We were even subjected to a simulated bird crash experience and adverse weather conditions with rain and snow. Remarkably, we managed to land on our first attempt, some landings smoother than others.
Musk?
On our way home, we reflected on the remarkable day we had just experienced. The Lilium Jet is truly ingenious in terms of technology, with its cruise and transition efficiency, initially conceived as a replacement for helicopters, capable of vertical takeoff and landing. Simultaneously, it serves as a jet for the regional market. If the technology can be evolved for easy use both as an eSCTOL and an eVTOL, at the pilot’s discretion – thanks to its adaptable design DNA – then the benefit of cruise efficiency could be turned to further advantage, offering greater range where needed.
With the addition of some 360 cameras under the aircraft and possibly some other minor adjustments, this could blow away all competition and become a bullseye hit. The best of all worlds in one design – an eSCVTOL, a true hybrid application. Furthermore, we think with a scalable design, simply enlarging the midsection, adding more battery packs, slightly larger engines, and slightly larger wings and canards could propel it to even greater heights. German ingenuity combined with unwavering global efforts and entrepreneurship. We wondered, are we the first ones to see this and does time just need to do its work?
Elon Musk should experience this firsthand when he visits his Tesla factory in Berlin and also would take a moment to explore Lilium. Elon has previously expressed admiration for the Lilium’s design. It’s strange that this hasn’t happened yet. As shareholders, we realized we’ll need to exercise some patience.
Other Lilium news
Cabin Design Lilium Pioneer Jet Edition by Alberto Caruso (video)
Presentation of Liliums Chief Test Pilot Andrew Strachan (video)
Yahoo Finance (video) Air taxis: How battery-powered aircraft could revolutionize travel
Lilium Starts Production of High-Performance Battery Packs for the Lilium Jet
Lilium Begins Integration of Garmin Standby Flight Instruments for the Lilium Jet
Lilium Names Johan Malmqvist as Chief Financial Officer
Yahoo Finance Air taxis: How battery-powered aircraft could revolutionize travel (video)
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