Sun, Jan 30, 2022
Finds New Chief Test Pilot In Flight Test Program
Lilium has brought PHX2, one of its 5th generation technology demonstrators to the ATLAS Flight Test Center in Villacarrillo, Spain.
The center will be the new home to Lilium's test program as they take their prototype to higher speeds over longer distances, expanding the testing program beyond its birthplace's German borders.
The New Test pilot selected, Andrew Strachan, brings 3 decades of experience as an aircraft test pilot, formerly a Royal Air Force aviator and chief tester at Leonardo Helicopters. Lilium selected Strachan as a part of the test program's extension into Spain, selecting the region for its "land topology, weather, and facilities," which the company revealed in an update to investors. The Atlas Flight Test Center "provides optimal infrastructure and enables the aircraft to fly over a large, unpopulated area while transitioning fully into high-speed wing-borne flight," and its facilities, combined with the local Center for Advanced Aerospace Technologies have been "instrumental in setting Lilium up for a successful flight test campaign."
Strachan is excited about joining the project. “I’m thrilled to join Lilium at such an exciting moment in the company’s growth. As someone who has been influenced by aviation since childhood, it’s inspiring to be part of a company driving the next phase of sustainable, aeronautical technology.” The program is a good milestone in how far the aircraft has come, said Alastair McIntosh, chief technology officer: “We’re excited for this next high-speed testing phase to begin in Spain and to welcome new Chief Test Pilot Andy Strachan who is an incredible addition to the Lilium team.”
More News
Hold Procedure A predetermined maneuver which keeps aircraft within a specified airspace while awaiting further clearance from air traffic control. Also used during ground operatio>[...]
Altitude Readout An aircraft’s altitude, transmitted via the Mode C transponder feature, that is visually displayed in 100-foot increments on a radar scope having readout cap>[...]
Aero Linx: European Hang Gliding and Paragliding Union (EHPU) The general aim of the EHPU is to promote and protect hang gliding and paragliding in Europe. In order to achieve this>[...]
Also: Skydio Chief, Uncle Sam Sues, Dash 7 magniX, OR UAS Accelerator US Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall was given a turn around the patch in the 'X-62A Variable In-flight>[...]
"The need for innovation at speed and scale is greater than ever. The X-62A VISTA is a crucial platform in our efforts to develop, test and integrate AI, as well as to establish AI>[...]