German firm Lilium, which is currently developing a small all-electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, has chosen the Spanish company Aernnova to take charge of the design and manufacture of the propulsion support system that will equip its aircraft, known as the Lilium Jet.

The engine mounting or flap system is a structure that is attached to the rear of the wings and canards - the front wing airfoils. This is one of the key components of the Lilium Jet, as it will be responsible for providing lift to the aircraft by interacting with the engine's airflow. It also houses the thrust vectoring  systems, which enable vertical and horizontal flight.

Aerodynamic efficiency
Aernnova and Lilium will be working together on the design and manufacture of this key aerostructure component. The flaps will have integrated electric motors that will improve their performance in terms of load capacity, aerodynamic efficiency and reduced engine noise. They will also facilitate vector thrust during flight manoeuvres. To improve performance, the aircraft will be assembled using lightweight materials such as carbon fibre reinforced epoxy resin.

The Spanish company, which employs more than 5,000 people, is a Tier 1 supplier of aircraft structures to leading aviation manufacturers such as Airbus, Boeing and Embraer. Their contract with Lilium expands their market into sustainable high-speed regional transport, one of the industry's current goals.

The perfect partner
Commenting on the choice of the Spanish company, Lilium's Chief Operating Officer Yves Yemsi said, "Aernnova is a leading designer and manufacturer of metal and composite structures in the aerospace industry, which makes it the perfect partner. It’s important for us to collaborate with the best aerospace suppliers, and to benefit from their experience.

For his part, Aernnova CEO Ricardo Chocarro pointed out, "With over 28 years of experience in the development and manufacture of aircraft structures, we are proud to be part of this exciting and unique Lilium Jet project. This all-electric aircraft is the opportunity to change the aviation industry in a positive and sustainable way. We’re proud to be a key partner in this project.”

^{Photo: Lilium}