Lilium select L3Harris to supply data recorder

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L3Harris Technologies’ extra light data recorder (xLDR) has been selected for Lilium’s eVTOL. 

The xLDR meets global aviation mandates for recorders on smaller fixed and rotary-wing aircraft, including UAM platforms. The xLDR which stores large amounts of audio and flight data in a secure crash-protected memory module for accident investigations has a weight of 2.43lbs (1.1kg).

The new xLDR is a lighter version of L3Harris’ recorder currently found in 15 aircraft models.

“Lilium is leaning forward in the emerging regional air mobility industry, and L3Harris is poised to support manufacturers diligently working to escalate this exciting change and adoption across the globe,” said Alan Crawford, president, L3Harris, Commercial Aviation. “Our xLDR leverages our field-proven platform to reduce weight and provide other enhancements specific to the eVTOL market and small aircraft specifications.”   

Lilium is currently pursuing type certification of the Lilium Jet with the EASA and concurrent validation of the aircraft with the FAA, under the provisions of the Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement between the US and the EU.

Aviation safety agencies worldwide are mandating improvements to enable critical flight information to be retrieved and to thereby prevent future incidences and enhance safety. The xLDR exceeds the EASA mandated ED-155 survivability requirements for lightweight fixed- and rotor-wing aircraft, with several other agencies considering similar actions. The production version of the xLDR is scheduled to be released in 2023.