PHOENIX - Air mobility company Lilium in Wessling, Germany needed thermal management technology for its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) Lilium Jet. They found their solution from Honeywell in Phoenix.
Lilium selected Honeywell's MicroVCS [vapor cycle system] into the Lilium Jet to aid in optimizing cabin cooling and regulating the electric battery temperatures of the aircraft. These functions are pivotal for achieving more sustainable and efficient flight operations. In addition to thermal management, the Lilium Jet utilizes additional Honeywell technologies including Anthem Avionics, DENSO electric motors, and flight controls.
Honeywell's MicroVCS uses high-speed, oil-free centrifugal compressor technology, resulting in a 22% weight reduction compared to conventional vapor cycle cooling systems. This translates to an annual avoidance of 9,900 lbs. of CO2 emissions in the advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft. The system employs Honeywell Solstice refrigerant which has an ultra-low global warming potential (GWP) of 1, which Honeywell says is 99.9% lower than competing systems.
The all-electric Lilium Jet is slated to commence production later this year. Beyond its innovative propulsion system, the aircraft aims to be a trailblazer in advancing the accessibility and sustainability of air travel for both passengers and cargo.
Yves Yemsi, Chief Operating Officer of Lilium, emphasized the synergistic value gained from Honeywell's MicroVCS, stating, “In our collaboration with Honeywell, we’ve tapped into the numerous advantages of the MicroVCS, reinforcing the synergistic value with a single, innovative supplier providing multiple subsystems for the Lilium Jet. Honeywell’s innovative subsystems offer a renewed perspective on aerospace possibilities.”
Dave Shilliday, Vice President and General Manager of Advanced Air Mobility at Honeywell, expressed the significance of the MicroVCS as a ready-now solution, stating, “The MicroVCS is a ready-now solution that embodies Honeywell’s dedication to creating a more sustainable future for air travel. This technology is a great fit for Advanced Air Mobility vehicles, but its versatility also enables it to be seamlessly integrated into other applications, such as business aviation and defense aircraft.”
