It's not the first time a Lilium Jet — the company's all-electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) device — has taken to the sky but it is the first time the new five seater has taken off and landed, following extensive ground testing. Lilium published a video of a two-seater version's inaugural flight just over two years ago.
The new five-seater is a full-scale, full-weight prototype that is powered by 36 all-electric jet engines to allow it to take-off and land vertically, while achieving "remarkably efficient horizontal or cruise flight," says Lilium
Will the back seat of the air taxi be cleaner than the normal kind?
(Score: 2) by Freeman on Friday May 17 2019, @02:40PM (1 child)
That thing looks like it would be really cramped with 5 people in it. I've been in a puddle jumper or two, and it wasn't a pleasant flying experience. Then again, this thing doesn't act like typical airplanes, so perhaps the flying experience is smoother.
Joshua 1:9 "Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee"
(Score: 1, Interesting) by Anonymous Coward on Friday May 17 2019, @10:07PM
My small plane experience (twin prop, seats 5-6 people) has been very good in the morning before solar heating makes thermals and turbulence. Not so good on the return flight in the afternoon, pretty bumpy. At least once, a co-worker on the same small plane lost his lunch (he was very discrete about it...)
So I think the ride you get depends more on weather conditions and less on the plane.