The world’s first all-electric vertical takeoff and landing passenger jet has been unveiled after completing its first flight.
German startup Lilium aims to have a fleet of the five-seat aircraft — which can operate with a pilot or in drone mode — flying in cities worldwide by 2025, providing a pay-per-ride service that will be emission-free, five times faster than a car and produce less noise than a motorbike.
The plane will have a 300-kilometre (186-mile) range, allowing it to link New York and Boston. A short hop between John F. Kennedy International Airport and Manhattan will cost about $70 per passenger, making it cheaper than a helicopter and competitive with top-end limousine services, Chief Commercial Officer Remo Gerber said in an interview.
A full-scale, full-weight prototype took off from Lilium’s base near Munich on April 4 and has begun flight tests to secure regulatory approval, the company said Thursday.
The craft is powered by 36 jet engines that swivel after takeoff to provide forward flight in the manner of a standard plane, using only 10 per cent of the energy of multi-rotor drones based on helicopter technology.
That saving, in turn, allows it to fly for 10 times the distance, overcoming the range issues regarded as a major obstacle to electric-powered planes.
Source: MyBroadband
You Might Also Like – AKA celebrates Double Platinum Album
AKA celebrates Double Platinum Album. It’s a special feeling that you will only get to know once your Album hits Double Platinum sales. Rapper AKA definitely knows how it feels like and is celebrating.
In the latest pictures on his Instagram, AKA surrounded by friends was in a happy mood and had this to say… “TOUCH MY BLOOD 
DOUBLE PLATINUM. Thank you. 
celebration at @sumonightclub this Friday.” read more
