World’s first all-electric flying taxi
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German start-up Lilium has unveiled what it claims is the world’s first all-electric “air taxi”. The firm says the emission-free craft could provide an on-demand service by 2025, revolutionising urban travel
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LILIUM JET

Capacity: Five – 1 pilot, 4 passengers 

Top speed: 300km/h 

Range: 300km

Power: 36 all-electric jet engines, mounted over main wing and forward canard, generate
2,000 horsepower

Flight-control: Fan assemblies tilt up for vertical takeoff and horizontal for forward flight

On forward flight, lift generated by wings allows use of less than 10% horsepower

Cost: $70-$80 per head for cross-city hop from New York’s JFK airport to Manhattan – in just six minutes

Wing motors
Manage roll movements. Aircraft rotates on axis in hover by varying rotor speed

Forward motors
Handle pitching nose up and down

Noise absorption
Small enclosed fans ensure aircraft is 4-5 times quieter than helicopter
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Source and pictures: Lilium © GRAPHIC NEWS