Lilium, which is developing "the first all-electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) jet", has teamed up with Collins Aerospace to develop the "the innovative sidestick system used by the pilot to control the aircraft".
The Lilium Jet inceptor will, the company said, "provide safe and intuitive handling qualities, easy access to functionalities, and an aesthetic, ergonomic design" and will be designed "to bring significant space and weight savings compared to conventional sidesticks".
“Our partnership with Collins Aerospace allows us to reap the benefit of five decades of experience in flight deck controls. Our two companies’ collaborative development approach allows us to re-imagine the cockpit and pilot experience, and further strengthens our path towards certification and commercialisation," said Yves Yemsi, chief operating officer at Lilium, a German aerospace business.
“Our extensive experience innovating sidestick design is key when tackling the challenges of redefining the entire flight control philosophy for single-pilot aircraft in this new market of advanced regional air mobility,” said Jean-François Chanut, vice president and general manager of Collins Aerospace propeller systems.