The prototype of Lilium Jet electric taxi has successfully piloted the first trip in Oberpfaffenhofen (Germany).
The 5-seat aircraft with a weight of about 1.5 tons has flown vertically at the test ground for several minutes.The development team's next step will be to add the motor to be able to fly forward, according to Spiegel.
Under the plan, this type of taxi will be commercialized in at least two German cities by 2025. The device uses 36 electric jet engines attached to the wings.
Because Lilium Jet was powered by electricity, it was almost silent.Vehicles can fly at 300km / h, according to founder Daniel Wiegand.
'Lilium Jet will be cheaper than a helicopter because it does not use mechanical systems. It only consumes a tenth of the energy of a helicopter, ' said Daniel Wiegand.
The main customers are rich people or companies.Lilium Jet can operate as a taxi with the same fare, Daniel Wiegand expects.
5-seater Lilium Jet was developed from the 2-seat test version.Flight is remotely controlled.However, when officially operated in 2025, there will be pilot drivers with the same process as driving helicopters.
To be able to fly automatically, Lilium Jet will take another 10 years, Daniel Wiegand said.
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