Will Electric planes ever work?

In recent articles, I have talked about how the real plane of the future will be the Boeing 797, a mid to long-range, narrow-body plane that is capable of flying transatlantic, but could electric planes overtake the 797 in the running for the best plane that is to come? Join me as I take a look at one brand which could shake the world of aviation into being sustainable.

Lilium

When I say electric planes to you, you would probably think of large, wide-bodied aircraft with huge and powerful engines, but actually, the electric aircraft you’re most likely to see first enter the market are eVTOL aircraft (electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft). This is due to the fact that unless we can narrow down the size of electric batteries, the battery needed to power a huge aircraft would be so heavy, that it would be physically impossible to lift off the ground. So, Lilium is combatting this issue by creating what are basically Air-Taxis to travel short distances whilst still being sustainable.

The Lilium Jets have several engines which can rotate to propel the aircraft in different directions. (credit: newatlas.com)

How do they work?

Lilium Jets work a bit like what is perhaps the most famous VTOL aircraft, the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey. When the jet is vertically taking off and landing, the electric jet-engines are pointed down at the ground. Once the aircraft has successfully departed from the Lili-Port, the engines rotate to being horizontal and the aircraft flies just like a normal airliner would. These aircraft are small and so easier to manoeuvre than a normal aircraft, so they will only require one pilot to fly them.

The Lilium Jets work in a similar way to the now-ageing Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey (credit: winair.ca)

What will they be used for?

The Lilium aircraft will be able to seat 6 passengers and will be able to fly on short flights such as from New York to Philadelphia. Due to their size and ability to take off from small places, it is possible that these jets could be a sustainable and cheap solution to air ambulance and rescue services. It is also possible for the aircraft to be hired as leisure aircraft due to their large ability and modern design which could attract tourists. These aircraft will be a revolutionary way for people to get from A to B in a quick and sustainable way.

The Lilium Jets will be able to carry up to 6 passengers (credit: Lilium.com)

Overall, it is very possible for electric aircraft to take off into our skies very soon, especially with the fact that these very aircrafts are being tested and can already fly. With a quick online search, it’s easy to see videos of the test flights of these incredible aircraft which are the future of aviation.