While the automotive industry has witnessed a seismic shift with the emergence of Tesla and Chinese automakers, the aviation sector has remained relatively stagnant. Traditional aircraft manufacturers continue to dominate the market, despite occasional setbacks and failures. However, this equilibrium is poised to be disrupted by a wave of innovative startups, including Natilus, a San Diego-based company.
Natilus has garnered attention for its ambitious plans to develop a series of blended wing body (BWB) cargo planes. BWB aircraft, characterized by their seamless integration of fuselage and wings, offer significant advantages in terms of fuel efficiency and cargo capacity.
This unique design, while ideal for freight transportation, presents challenges for passenger aircraft, particularly in terms of emergency evacuation. Natilus’ initial focus is on the Kona, a medium-haul cargo plane, as they work towards realizing their vision of revolutionizing the aviation industry.
Natilus, the company that has been making waves with its innovative blimp-like cargo plane, Kona, is now gearing up to take on the passenger aviation industry with its upcoming aircraft, Horizon.
Designed to rival the Boeing 737 Max, Horizon promises to revolutionize air travel with its unique design and advanced technology. This sleek aircraft, capable of carrying 200 passengers and a significant amount of cargo, will be able to traverse both intercontinental and transatlantic distances.
By leveraging innovative aerodynamics and efficient engines, Horizon aims to achieve a 30% reduction in fuel consumption compared to traditional tube and wing aircraft of similar size. Additionally, its unique design offers a 40% increase in interior volume, providing passengers with a more spacious and comfortable experience.
Natilus has thoughtfully designed Horizon to seamlessly integrate with existing airport infrastructure, ensuring a smooth and efficient deployment process. With the goal of taking to the skies in the early 2020s, Horizon is poised to reshape the future of air travel.
