Lilium choses Livent for high-performance lithium batteries; Aernnova for Lilium Jet propulsion mounting system

Lilium and Livent Corporation announced a research and development collaboration agreement. Lilium and Livent have agreed to collaborate on the advancement of lithium metal technology for use in high-performance battery cells. Collaborating with Livent is an important step towards securing Lilium’s future access to the high-performance battery cell technology that will power Lilium’s jets.

Yves Yemsi, Chief Operating Officer at Lilium said, “This collaboration is a milestone in Lilium’s commitment to revolutionize regional air travel. Innovation is at the heart of our mission, and to keep innovating we need to collaborate with the best in the industry. Livent’s unique expertise in lithium production, as well as their commitment to sustainably responsible practices, makes them an ideal partner.”

Marina Yakovleva, Director of Research & Development and New Business Development for Livent said: “The Livent R&D team is excited about the opportunity to work closely with the leading scientists and engineers at Lilium to advance the state of the art in e-mobility and battery technology. Innovation is in the DNA of both companies, as is a shared commitment to advancing electric transportation and sustainability solutions. Together, we hope to drive meaningful progress in realizing the potential of next generation battery technologies and decarbonizing air travel.”

In the same time, Lilium has selected Aernnova to collaborate on the Lilium Jet's propulsion mounting system. A propulsion mounting system or “flap”, the structure that forms the rear part of the wings and front aerofoils, is one of the Lilium Jet’s major components, producing lift by interacting with airflow from the engine. It also houses the propulsion and vectoring systems responsible for vertical and horizontal flight.

Electric jet engines integrated into the wing flaps provide advantages in payload, aerodynamic efficiency and a lower noise profile, while also providing thrust vector control to maneuver the Lilium Jet through every phase of flight. Aernnova and Lilium will work together on the design, manufacture, and supply of the Lilium Jet’s flap structure.

Aernnova is one of the largest Tier 1 aerospace suppliers, providing aerostructure for companies such as Airbus, Boeing and Embraer. The collaboration represents a significant step towards serial production of the Lilium Jet and Lilium’s goal of making sustainable high-speed regional transportation a reality.

The Lilium Jet’s propulsion mounting system will feature a complex and unique design. The integrated system will serve multiple functions and be modular and scalable. It will utilize lightweight material such as carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy.

Yves Yemsi, Chief Operating Officer of Lilium, said: “Aernnova is an industry leader for customized design and manufacture of metallic and composite assemblies, which makes them an ideal partner. It is important to us that we collaborate with the best aerospace suppliers and leverage their expertise.”

Ricardo Chocarro, CEO of Aernnova, said: “With 28 years of expertise in developing and creating aircraft structures, we are proud to be contributing to a project as exciting and unique as the Lilium Jet. This all-electric jet has the potential to change the aviation industry in a positive, sustainable way, and we are delighted to be a key partner.”