Germany-based eVTOL developer Lilium and GKN Aerospace have signed an agreement to work together to design and build an integrated and certifiable EWIS (electrical wiring interconnection systems) solution.

From its facility in the Netherlands, GKN will build the EWIS hardware sets and provide on-site installation into the Lilium Jet at Lilium's final assembly line at Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany. GKN has a significant track record in the design and build of certifiable EWIS solutions within the aerospace industry.

The scope of the collaboration covers the integrated design of the low voltage and high voltage electrical interconnections, including:

- Integration of all wire bundles in the Lilium Jet;

- Integration of the electrical EWIS components into operational systems to safely fly the Lilium Jet; and

- Development of innovative high voltage, high power interconnection solutions.

For Lilium, this agreement represents an important step towards final assembly of the conforming aircraft, due to begin later this year. The OEM already has agreements in place for aerostructures, avionics, battery cells, energy management systems, e-motors, the propulsion system, aircraft interior and landing gear among others.

GKN Aerospace is already making significant investments in sustainable aviation, which include full electric, hybrid-electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft technology. The Lilium Jet is a valuable addition to its sustainable aircraft portfolio.

Lilium COO Yves Yemsi says: “We're proud to have brought another outstanding aerospace player onto the Lilium Jet team. GKN Aerospace has enormous experience developing certifiable EWIS systems and impressed us with its dedicated offering for the Lilium Jet. We are looking forward to driving ahead on our programme with GKN at our side.”

GKN president business line civil airframe John Pritchard says: “This collaboration provides a great opportunity to leverage and build on the capabilities each company brings. Companies like Lilium will be delivering the solutions that will enable passengers to travel sustainably and help deliver net zero carbon by 2050. We're proud to be on board and helping that reality come to life with our advanced technology.”

Lilium has also signed Netherlands-based high-speed rotating componenents producer Aeronamic to manufacture the fan for the jet's propulsion system.

“We are beyond proud that this collaboration has come about and that Aeronamic will contribute to the development of Lilium's sustainable, high-speed air mobility eVTOL aircraft,” says VP business development and programmes Reinoud Siezen. “The collaboration fits seamlessly within our 'Mission Zero' programme, which focusses on the electrification of flight.”