What Happened
San Diego Startup Advances Blended-Wing Freight Aircraft Development
Natilus, a San Diego-based startup, has selected Composites Universal Group (CUG) to manufacture the wings for its full-scale Kona blended-wing-body regional freighter prototype. The wings will be built at CUG’s facility in Oregon and delivered to Natilus in spring 2027. The Kona design combines a blended wing with conventional construction and materials, aiming to reduce fuel consumption and operating costs while increasing payload capacity. With over 570 pre-orders valued at $24 billion, Natilus is targeting both commercial and military cargo markets. The company has also received funding from the US Air Force to advance the Kona toward full-scale flight testing. This development was first reported by AeroTime.