SAN DIEGO startup Natilus Inc is developing a large unmanned cargo aircraft to revolutionise the air freight and logistics industry, reports Detroit's Assembly magazine.
Unlike traditional tube-and-wing aircraft, blended-wing body aircraft combine the wing, body and tail into a single wing that promise burn 30 per cent less fuel.
'The blended-wing design with our patent-pending diamond cargo configuration allows for more volume, helping our customers optimise for the reality of today's ecommerce freight,' said Natilus CEO Aleksey Matyushevs.
'For the same weight of tube-and-wing aircraft, our plane will transport more than twice as much revenue cargo for the same trip, lowering costs by 60 per cent and reducing CO2 emissions 50 per cent,' he said.
The planes will use existing ground infrastructure and standard air cargo containers. Natilus recently signed a contract with Collins Aerospace for the design, development and integration of a specialised loading system that will create efficiencies.
Engineers at Collins are creating a unique cargo loading system that features rolling ball mats, attachments and standard flip-up latches. It will accommodate LD3-New and LD3-45 containers and bulk loads, said the company.
Said Mr Matyushev: 'On continents with limited infrastructure, such as Africa and parts of Asia, our aircraft will become an essential mode of rapid and safe transportation.'
The air freight market is currently dominated by aircraft such as the Boeing 747 and 777. According to Mr Matyushev, Natilus' planes will feature greater efficiency and cost-savings by increasing cargo volume by 60 per cent. He said this will lower the cost of freight operations by 60 per cent and cut carbon emissions in half.
SeaNews Turkey
Unlike traditional tube-and-wing aircraft, blended-wing body aircraft combine the wing, body and tail into a single wing that promise burn 30 per cent less fuel.
'The blended-wing design with our patent-pending diamond cargo configuration allows for more volume, helping our customers optimise for the reality of today's ecommerce freight,' said Natilus CEO Aleksey Matyushevs.
'For the same weight of tube-and-wing aircraft, our plane will transport more than twice as much revenue cargo for the same trip, lowering costs by 60 per cent and reducing CO2 emissions 50 per cent,' he said.
The planes will use existing ground infrastructure and standard air cargo containers. Natilus recently signed a contract with Collins Aerospace for the design, development and integration of a specialised loading system that will create efficiencies.
Engineers at Collins are creating a unique cargo loading system that features rolling ball mats, attachments and standard flip-up latches. It will accommodate LD3-New and LD3-45 containers and bulk loads, said the company.
Said Mr Matyushev: 'On continents with limited infrastructure, such as Africa and parts of Asia, our aircraft will become an essential mode of rapid and safe transportation.'
The air freight market is currently dominated by aircraft such as the Boeing 747 and 777. According to Mr Matyushev, Natilus' planes will feature greater efficiency and cost-savings by increasing cargo volume by 60 per cent. He said this will lower the cost of freight operations by 60 per cent and cut carbon emissions in half.
SeaNews Turkey
