L3Harris Technologies' extra light data recorder (xLDR) has been selected by Lilium for its eVTOL jet.

The new L3Harris xLDR is a lighter version of the light data recorder currently fielded in 15 aircraft models by over 10 airframe manufacturers. The xLDR meets global aviation mandates and recommendations for recorders on smaller fixed and rotary wing aircraft, including UAM platforms. Given the size and weight constraints of eVTOL markets, the xLDR weight of 2.43lbs (1.1kg) and ability for storing large amounts of audio and flight data into a secure crash-protected memory module for incident and accident investigations, make it the ideal solution for this new market.

EVTOL technology is a rapidly expanding market globally, and Lilium is highly regarded in the space. The company selected the L3Harris xLDR for the Lilium Jet, a multi-passenger aircraft offering leading capacity, low noise and high performance with zero operating emissions. Lilium is currently pursuing type certification of the Lilium Jet with EASA and concurrent validation of the aircraft with the FAA, under the provisions of the Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement between the US and the European Union.

“Lilium is leaning forward in the emerging regional air mobility industry, and L3Harris is poised to support manufacturers diligently working to escalate this exciting change and adoption across the globe,” says L3Harris commercial aviation president Alan Crawford. “Our xLDR leverages our field-proven platform to reduce weight and provide other enhancements specific to the eVTOL market and small aircraft specifications.”

Aviation safety agencies worldwide are mandating improvements to enable critical flight information to be retrieved and to thereby prevent future incidences and enhance safety. The xLDR exceeds the EASA mandated ED-155 survivability requirements for lightweight fixed and rotor wing aircraft, with several other agencies considering similar actions. The production version of the xLDR is scheduled to be released in 2023.