1st all-electric VTOL jet!steemCreated with Sketch.

in #electric7 years ago

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In a video provided by the Munich-based startup, the aircraft can be seen taking off vertically like a helicopter, and then accelerating into forward flight using wing-borne lift. Doesn't look like there's anyone inside it yet. These test were done with a pilot standing on the ground flying line of sight.

The craft is powered by 36 separate jet engines mounted on its 10-meter long wings via 12 movable flaps. Once airborne, the flaps gradually tilt into a horizontal position, providing forward thrust.

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Lilium claims that its electric battery “consumes around 90 percent less energy than drone-style aircraft,” enabling the aircraft to achieve a range of 300 kilometers (183 miles) with a maximum cruising speed of 300 kph (183 mph). If it's true, this is the most exciting thing to happen in aviation in awhile.

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Im telling ya, this will be the way to go in like 5-10 est. more years from now. I cant wait

me too! they've been promising me a flying car for decades now!

Since at least the Jetsons, technology is finally catching up.

I have seen my cell phone die without warning to trust my life to battery power. I hope they don't fly over my home.

they will have to make several key parts redundant, and that may be a few years out, but this is a significant step forward. Gas Engines can quit too. This is why the forward flight characteristics in this particular model is so important!

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