Natilus, a U.S.-based aerospace manufacturer of blended-wing aircraft, today announced it has secured $28 million in Series A financing.
The company said this latest funding will allow it to complete manufacturing of its first full-scale prototype of regional cargo plane KONA, which is expected to fly in the next 24 months. Natilus will also further invest in the development of its second aircraft, HORIZON EVO, a 200-passenger aircraft intended to compete with the Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A321-neo.
Today, Natilus also debuted its transition from a single-deck to a dual-deck aircraft, implementing modifications to the profile and interior that substantially enhance passenger experience and safety.
Natilus has attracted investment from across defense, air freight and commercial aviation markets for the economics that its blended-wing-body platform enables. Using improved aerodynamics, capacity, and efficiency, its family of blended-wing aircraft cut fuel usage by 30% and carbon emissions and operational costs by 50%.
In the last 12 months, Natilus has made progress on its IP family and national manufacturing efforts. In July, it was awarded a patent for KONA's diamond-shaped cargo bay and in March, it initiated the launch of its first domestic manufacturing site search to produce KONA. Currently, Natilus's commercial product order book stands at 570+ aircraft, with reservations from major players like SpiceJet, Nolinor Aviation, Flexport, and Ameriflight – and is valued at $24 billion.
Natilus's optionally-piloted KONA is also gaining interest for its potential defense applications. With its 3.8 ton payload capacity and ability to land on shorter, gravel runways, KONA can provide intra-theater lift and transport cargo to remote locations more efficiently than ever before. The cargo freighter can support Agile Combat Employment (ACE) and logistics resupply in highly contested and austere regions such as the Indo-Pacific. Natilus has engaged in conversations with the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, and the Department of Defense.
Natilus has designed its planes to use existing engine technology and include vertical tails for control and stabilization. Its family of aircraft will be compatible with existing gate operations and airport infrastructure to maintain interoperability.
Meanwhile, Natilus is actively pursuing FAA Part 23, Amendment 64 certification for KONA and is determining a location for its 250,000 square feet manufacturing site to build 60 KONA per year. The company is on track to deliver the first KONA later this decade and the first HORIZON EVO in the early 2030s.
