What Happened
Blended-Wing-Body Design Targets Contested Logistics Missions
Natilus has secured $3.5 million in funding from the US Air Force to advance its KONA blended-wing-body freighter for contested logistics missions. The aircraft is designed for regional distribution and has a 3.8-ton payload capacity, 800-nautical-mile range, and short-field capability. The company claims the blended-wing-body configuration consumes approximately 30% less fuel than comparable conventional aircraft. The award complements private and strategic investment in Natilus’ commercial aircraft program, as reported by AviNews.