what metrics would you use to evaluate lilium's electric jet propulsion system?

Introduction

Evaluating Lilium's electric jet propulsion system requires a comprehensive approach to product success metrics. This innovative technology represents a significant leap in sustainable aviation, and its performance will have far-reaching implications for the future of air travel. To effectively assess its success, we'll need to consider a range of factors spanning technical performance, user experience, business viability, and environmental impact.

Step 1

Product Context

Lilium's electric jet propulsion system is a revolutionary propulsion technology designed for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. It uses multiple electric ducted fans to provide both lift and forward thrust, enabling efficient and quiet urban air mobility solutions.

Key stakeholders include:

• Lilium (the company): Motivated by commercial success and industry leadership
• Passengers: Seeking safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly transportation
• Regulatory bodies: Ensuring safety and environmental compliance
• Investors: Looking for return on investment and market potential
• Urban planners: Interested in integrating new transportation modes

User flow:

1. Booking: Passengers reserve a flight through an app or website
2. Boarding: Passengers arrive at a vertiport and board the aircraft
3. Flight: The electric jet system powers the aircraft for take-off, cruise, and landing
4. Disembarkation: Passengers exit at their destination vertiport

This propulsion system is central to Lilium's strategy of revolutionizing short to medium-distance air travel, offering a more sustainable and flexible alternative to traditional aviation and ground transportation.

Compared to competitors like Joby Aviation and Volocopter, Lilium's system is unique in its use of ducted electric fans, potentially offering advantages in range and efficiency.

Product Lifecycle Stage: Early stage / Pre-commercial. The system is still undergoing testing and certification, with commercial operations planned for the near future.

Hardware-specific context:

• Manufacturing considerations: Precision engineering required for electric motors and ducted fans
• Supply chain dependencies: Reliance on specialized electrical components and advanced materials
• Service infrastructure: Need for specialized maintenance facilities and trained technicians