PH is likely the first to have flying cars in ASEAN. Lilium and PhilJets signed an MOU to bring 10 futuristic jets to the country.
Robots, AI, smart appliances, and electric vehicles, so what’s next? Flying cars!
A German firm is eyeing one nation in Southeast Asia as a takeoff point for its “flying cars.” Air mobility Lilium is considering the Philippines for its all-electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) jets.
Together with local aviation company PhilJets, the two signed a memorandum of understanding at the Singapore Airshow for a strategic collaboration.
“Our strategic partnership with PhilJets will expand our footprint even further in Asia, bringing the Lilium Jet to Southeast Asia. The Philippines is well suited for eVTOLs to effectively connect thousands of islands together through sustainable and high-speed air mobility.”
Lilium Chief Commercial Officer Sebastien Borel
The MOU will allow PhilJets to buy an initial 10 Lilium jets.
What are these flying cars? They are a type of jet with zero operating emissions – fully operated by electricity.
A Lilium jet looks like a sexy car cabin with wings to take passengers on a luxurious flight. One of its key features is the Ducted Electric Vectored Thrust technology.
Compared to open rotors, the ducted fans of DEVT radiate noise in the engine’s front to protect communities from that annoyance. Acoustic liners are also installed into the duct walls so some of the noise could be absorbed before it’s emitted out.
Additional acoustic liners will minimize tonal noise produced by the blades. There are no tip vortices as well to cut noise even more.
Lilium’s eVTOL jets will power future services and enable consumers to fly in and out of designated routes.
The 2024 Singapore Airshow commenced from February 20 to 25 and showcased the latest innovation in the aviation industry.
