On Thu, 15 Dec 2016 18:39:55 -0000, wrote:

Larry Dighera wrote:
On Thu, 15 Dec 2016 08:32:00 +0100, Gerhard Strangar wrote:

Larry Dighera wrote:

Lilium GmbH, Friedrichshafener Strasse 1, 82205 Gilching, Germany

Now it all makes sense, that's right at the end of a (unsually inactive)
runway. That runway was used by the Dornier GmbH (now part of the Airbus
group), which tested the VTOL cargo plane Do 31. They built prototypes
and then cancelled the program when it no longer met the NATO
requirements. Looks like a second attempt.

Interesting. I recall seeing a small runway next to a full sized runway in one
of the videos on their web site.

Their latest )Dec 2016) video is he
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjqnTYKYMwM . Jim will get a kick out of the
use of the term 'jet' used in this promotional piece. Apparently they have
designed a new electric motor that resembles a turbine, shown in the video.

There is a cat that hangs out in my back yard that resembles a cow. Does
that make it a cow?


What is your definition of a jet?

Was the Nazi V1 powered by a jet engine?

http://www.dictionary.com/browse/jet?s=t
jet
noun
1.
a stream of a liquid, gas, or small solid particles forcefully shooting
forth from a nozzle, orifice, etc.
2.
something that issues in such a stream, as water or gas.
3.
a spout or nozzle for emitting liquid or gas:
a gas jet.
-------------

http://www.dictionary.com/browse/jet-engine
jet engine
noun
1.
an engine, as an aircraft engine, that produces forward motion by the
rearward exhaust of a jet of fluid or heated air and gases.
-------------

There's a clue he
http://www.technovelgy.com/ct/Scienc...p?NewsNum=2712
https://web.archive.org/web/20111011...ngoC_2AP01.pdf

Of course, there's always the possible issue of language (mis)translation...


The video starts off with two claims: they will eliminate cars and
infrastructure.

As for the first claim, it is just too ridiculous to bother further comment.


Granted the elimination of automobiles is a fanciful notion in Los Angeles, but
in Europe, perhaps not so much.


As for the second claim, a large, clear flat area IS infrastructure and
would be new infrastructure.


It's difficult to argue against your opinion. However, a flat spot need not
have lighting, radio aids to navigation, paving, structures, etc, so it could
be very minimal infrastructure compared to an FAA certified airport or
heliport.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not defending the Lilium marketing puffery, and am
indeed skeptical of the performance claims. Given the information below, the
most difficult claim for me to swallow, is a 435 HP FAA certified Light Sport
Aircraft. Perhaps there is a European class to which the Lilium may reasonably
be expected to conform, or such a revolutionary design may warrant creation of
an entirely class. After all, regulations shouldn't stifle innovation, but
provide safe and orderly rules so it may flourish.

At any rate, the Lilium project has generated significant venture capital, but
until a full-sized aircraft flies, and empirically substantiates the claimed
performance figures, the Lilium just another Molleresque vaporware dream,
IMNSHO. But where would technology be without its dreamers who's visionary
pursuits have led to radical improvements in the human condition?



================================================== ===========================
https://www.eaa.org/en/eaa/aviation-...ort-pilot-rule
FAA SPORT PILOT RULE
This is a synopsis of the definition of a light sport aircraft category, the
requirements to obtain a sport pilot certificate, and requirements to obtain a
repairman certificate with a maintenance or inspection rating. View the
complete FAA regulation

The Light Sport Aircraft Rule:
The FAA defines a light sport aircraft as an aircraft, other than a helicopter
or powered-lift that, since its original certification, has continued to meet
the following:

Max. Gross Takeoff Weight: 1,320 lbs (1,430 lbs for seaplanes)

Max. Stall Speed: 51 mph / 45 knots CAS

Max. Speed in Level Flight (VH): 138 mph / 120 knots CAS

Seats: Two (max.)

Engines / Motors: One (max. if powered.)

Propeller: Fixed-pitch or ground adjustable

Cabin: Unpressurized

Landing Gear: Fixed (except for seaplanes and gliders)

In addition, light sport aircraft:

Can be manufactured and sold ready-to-fly under a new Special Light Sport
Aircraft certification category. Aircraft must meet industry consensus
standards. Aircraft under this certification may be used for sport and
recreation, flight training, and aircraft rental.

Can be licensed Experimental Light Sport Aircraft (E-LSA) if kit- or
plans-built. Aircraft under this certification may be used only for sport and
recreation and flight instruction for the owner of the aircraft.

Can be licensed Experimental Light Sport Aircraft (E-LSA) if the aircraft has
previously been operated as an ultralight but does not meet the FAR Part 103
definition of an ultralight vehicle. These aircraft must have been transitioned
to E-LSA category no later than January 31, 2008.

Will have a standard FAA registration - N-number.
Category and class includes: Airplane (Land/Sea), Gyroplane, Airship, Balloon,
Weight-Shift-Control ("Trike", Land/Sea), Glider, and Powered Parachute.

U.S. or foreign manufacture of light sport aircraft is authorized.
Aircraft with a standard airworthiness certificate that meet above
specifications may be flown by sport pilots. However, the aircraft must remain
in standard category and cannot be changed to light sport aircraft category.
May be operated at night if the aircraft is equipped per FAR 91.205, if such
operations are allowed by the aircraft's operating limitations and the pilot
holds at least a Private Pilot certificate and a minimum of a third-class
medical.
================================================== ==============