Thales Selected as Exclusive Supplier for Lilium’s eVTOL Jet Navigation and Communication Antennas

Thales Selected as Exclusive Supplier for Lilium’s eVTOL Jet Navigation and Communication Antennas

(IN BRIEF) Thales has been selected by Lilium as the exclusive supplier of navigation and communication antennas for their electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) jet program, set to begin service in 2026. This partnership will incorporate a blend of Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) and custom antennas to ensure comprehensive communication and navigation for Lilium’s jets. Thales, with over 50 years of experience, will provide expertise in minimizing drag, weight, and optimizing antenna placement, supporting Lilium’s sustainability goals. This collaboration marks a significant advancement in the aviation industry towards sustainable and efficient aerial transportation.

(PRESS RELEASE) LA DÉFENSE, 2-Aug-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Thales, a global leader in airborne communication and navigation solutions, has been chosen by Lilium as the sole supplier of navigation and communication antennas for their pioneering electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) jet program. Lilium, an innovative electric aircraft manufacturer, aims to transform Regional Air Mobility (RAM) and significantly reduce carbon emissions with the Lilium Jet, which is slated for service in 2026.

The partnership represents a significant advancement in aviation, combining Thales’ cutting-edge technology and extensive expertise with Lilium’s vision for sustainable and efficient aerial transportation. The planned shipset for Lilium’s eVTOL fleet will include a mix of Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) and custom antennas, such as VHF Com + GPS, Wi-Fi/LTE, ELT, GNSS, DME, VOR, LOC, Glideslope, UAT, and Transponder, ensuring comprehensive communication and navigation capabilities.

Thales brings over 50 years of experience in airborne antenna manufacturing, known for their excellence and quality. Their deep understanding of both fixed-wing and helicopter platforms allows them to address the unique challenges of eVTOL aircraft design, such as minimizing drag and weight and optimizing antenna placement. This expertise will be crucial for the success of Lilium’s eVTOL program and its sustainability objectives.

Martin Schuebel, Senior Vice President of Procurement at Lilium, emphasized the importance of quality and experience in selecting suppliers: “We are happy to be working with Thales Aerospace Communications, who are producing high-quality navigation and communication antennas for our Lilium Jets and have decades of experience in the field.”

Nicolas Bonleux, Vice-President of Thales Aerospace Communications, highlighted the unique opportunities in the Regional Air Mobility segment: “We have greatly enjoyed collaborating with Lilium and learning about their Regional Air Mobility challenges. This experience will enhance our position as a trusted supplier in this domain.”

As Lilium’s eVTOL program progresses, the aviation industry eagerly anticipates its transformative impact on the future of air transportation.

About Thales
Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies within three domains: Defence & Security, Aeronautics & Space, and Cybersecurity and Digital Identity. It develops products and solutions that help make the world safer, greener and more inclusive. The Group invests close to €4 billion a year in Research & Development, particularly in key areas such as quantum technologies, Edge computing, 6G and cybersecurity. Thales has 81,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2023, the Group generated sales of €18.4 billion.

Media Contact:

Alice Pruvot
Head of Media Relations, Aeronautics & Defense
+33 7 70 27 11 37
alice.pruvot@thalesgroup.com

SOURCE: Thales