Electric flying taxi successfully takes off in Germany

Lilium's two-seat vertical take-off and landing aircraft completes tests in Germany, preparing for entry into service.

Test flight conducted by Lilium

A completely electric, zero-emission, vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) flying taxi is about to become a reality. The Lilium plane has passed a series of tests in Germany, including a maneuvering test that requires it to go from hovering to flying forward, according to the Guardian.

Lilium has a range of about 320 km at a top speed of 290 km/h. Its electric motors are said to be more efficient than conventional aircraft. The successful test flight shows that Lilium's groundbreaking design is working as planned. The manufacturer says it is the only flying taxi with VTOL and jet flight capabilities.

The plane uses 36 jet engines mounted on 12 flaps. With the ability to take off and land vertically, it only needs a small space like a rooftop parking lot, instead of a long runway like a conventional plane. Lilium said this design could help deploy flights for the same price as a regular taxi, but many times faster.

Lilium's flying taxi on a test flight. Photo: Lilium.

Pilots only need a light sport aircraft license and 20 hours of training to fly the plane. Lilium has not yet announced a price for the plane, but it will be available from 2018. The European Aviation Safety Agency has praised the plane's fuel-efficient design, saying it brings environmental and social benefits.

According to VNE