Lilium partners with Collins Aerospace to build its Inceptor sidestick
Lilium has teamed with Collins Aerospace, to design, develop and build its Inceptor sidestick system, used by the pilot to control the aircraft. Collins Aerospace is a leader in technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry and a Raytheon Technologies business.
The Lilium Jet inceptor will provide safe and intuitive handling qualities, easy access to functions, and an ergonomic design. While integrating all conventional mechanical and electrical flight controls into two sidesticks, the Collins Aerospace system brings a new piloting philosophy for single eVTOL pilot operations.
The system will also be designed to bring significant space and weight savings compared to conventional sidesticks. Lilium’s collaboration with Collins Aerospace continues Lilium’s strategy of teaming up with established tier one aerospace suppliers to support certification and prepare the industrial ramp-up.
As part of the supplier agreement, Collins Aerospace’s extensive experience in developing and certifying inceptors for commercial jets will help certify the Lilium Jet’s inceptors to commercial aviation standards.
Yves Yemsi, Chief Operating Officer at Lilium, said: “Our partnership with Collins Aerospace allows us to reap the benefit of five decades of experience in flight deck controls.
“Our two companies’ collaborative development approach allows us to re-imagine the cockpit and pilot experience, and further strengthens our path towards certification and commercialisation.”
Collins Aerospace Propeller Systems vice president and general manager Jean-François Chanut added: “Our extensive experience of innovating sidestick design is key when tackling the challenges of redefining the entire flight control philosophy for single-pilot aircraft in this new market of advanced regional air mobility.
“This partnership with Lilium is a first step in defining the right solutions towards more automated, sustainable and safe operations for the future of flight.”
Earlier this month, Lithium-ion battery company Ionblox increased its Series B investment round to $32 million with partners that include original investors Lilium and Applied Ventures, who are joined by Temasek and Catalus Capital.
The previous week, Lilium signed an agreement with UK-based GKN Aerospace to collaborate on the design and build of an integrated and certifiable Electrical Wiring Interconnection System (EWIS).