Collins partners with German company to develop jet ‘sidestick’

Lilium, the German developer of the first all-electric vertical takeoff and landing jet, and Cedar Rapids-based Collins Aerospace are partnering to design, develop and build the new jet inceptors – the “sidestick” system pilots use to control the aircraft.

Collins will develop one sidestick that combines the mechanical and electrical flight controls that are now in two sidesticks, with “significant space and weight savings compared to conventional sidesticks,” Lilium stated in a news release.

Collins, a Raytheon Technologies business, is a leader in “technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry,” the news release said.

The Lilium Jet inceptors will provide “safe and intuitive handling qualities, easy access to functionalities and an aesthetic, ergonomic design,” the German company said.

As part of the supplier agreement, Collins, with its “extensive experience in developing and certifying inceptors for commercial jets,” will certify the Lilium Jet’s inceptors to commercial aviation standards.

“Our partnership with Collins Aerospace allows us to reap the benefit of five decades of experience in flight deck controls,” Yves Yemsi, Lilium’s chief operating officer, said in a statement. “Our two companies’ collaborative development approach allows us to re-imagine the cockpit and pilot experience,and further strengthens our path toward certification and commercialization.”

Added Jean-François Chanut, vice president and general manager of Collins Aerospace Propeller Systems: “Our extensive experience innovating sidestick design is key when tackling the challenges of redefining the entire flight control philosophy for single-pilot aircraft in this new market of advanced regional air mobility.”

The partnership, he said, is “a first step in defining the right solutions toward more automated, sustainable and safe operations for the future of flight.”

Lilium, founded in 2015, is working toward the “decarbonization” of air travel for people and goods with its all-electric, vertical takeoff and landing jets, according to the news release. Its headquarters and manufacturing facilities are in Munich, with 450 aerospace engineers, and with teams based in Europe and the United States.