This Is The Aircraft For Everyday Life

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A German startup is hoping to solve the problem of congestion in an exciting and novel way. They’re working on a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) vehicle for personal use, in what could be a world first if successful. This could pave the way for a new, environmentally friendly, and quiet way of personal transportation.

Lilium, founded by a team of students from the Technical University of Munich in Germany, was founded in February 2015 and has already demonstrated the concept’s viability with several downscaled prototypes. They’re now working on their first ultralight full-scale VTOL aircraft.

The startup, which is hosted by the European Space Agency (ESA) business incubator, says its approach combines the benefits of fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, while avoiding their drawbacks. Their goal is to eventually have their vehicles take off from anywhere, and not be restricted to specific landing sites or airfields. This doesn’t seem unattainable, as only an area of 15x15m is needed, so even a back garden could do.

“Our goal is to develop an aircraft for use in everyday life,” says CEO and co-founder Daniel Wiegand. “We are going for a plane that can take off and land vertically and does not need the complex and expensive infrastructure of an airport. To reduce noise and pollution, we are using electric engines so it can also be used close to urban areas.”

Lilium’s machine is classified as a Light Sport Aircraft, which in most countries requires relatively limited training to operate, usually not more than would be needed to acquire a driver’s license. And with an expected top speed of 400 km/h, this can certainly serve as a worthy replacement.