Thales, a global leader in airborne communication and navigation solutions, formerly known as Cobham Aerospace Communications, has been selected by Lilium as the sole supplier of navigation and communication antennas for their electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) jet program.
This partnership between Thales and Lilium is a pivotal moment in the aviation industry, merging cutting-edge technology with decades of expertise. The planned shipset for Lilium’s eVTOL fleet will include an optimal blend of Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) and bespoke antennas. These antennas include VHF Com + GPS, Wi-Fi/LTE, ELT, GNSS, DME, VOR, LOC, Glideslope, UAT, and Transponder, ensuring seamless communication and navigation capabilities for Lilium’s innovative aircraft.
With over 50 years of industry-leading experience, Thales is renowned for excellence in airborne antenna manufacturing. Their unwavering commitment to quality, coupled with an unparalleled understanding of fixed-wing and helicopter platforms, uniquely positions the company to tackle the challenges inherent in eVTOL aircraft design. From minimizing drag and weight to optimizing antenna placement, Thales expertise will be instrumental in the success of Lilium’s ambitious eVTOL program while advancing sustainability goals.
“Quality and experience are key factors in choosing the right supplier for each component for the Lilium Jet. We are happy that we are working with Thales Aerospace Communications who are producing high quality navigation and communication antennas for our Lilium Jets and have decades of experiences in the field”, said Martin Schuebel, Senior Vice President of Procurement at Lilium.
“The Regional Air Mobility segment presents a unique opportunity to assist eVTOL aircraft manufacturers as they seek to overcome the cost and time challenges of metropolitan air transportation. We have greatly enjoyed collaborating with Lilium and learning about their Regional Air Mobility challenges, and we believe this experience will enhance our position as a trusted supplier to this domain”, said Nicolas Bonleux, Vice-President, Thales Aerospace Communications.