Aerospace Manufacturer Begins Search for First U.S. Facility to Produce Blended-Wing-Body Aircraft

Aerospace manufacturer Natilus has announced a significant venture, seeking a site for its first manufacturing facility in the U.S. The large-scale site will produce the KONA, Natilus’ innovative regional blended-wing-body (BWB) freighter. In addition, the company plans to expand with a larger production footprint for its 200-passenger aircraft, HORIZON.

The selection of a U.S.-based facility strategically addresses the increasingly complex global trade landscape. By establishing a domestic manufacturing hub, Natilus aims to prevent not only potential disruptions stemming from tariffs but also other trade restrictions impacting critical materials.

Furthermore, this approach also ensures a more stable supply chain and reduces dependence on potentially volatile international markets. Additionally, the presence of a U.S. facility can speed up closer collaboration with domestic suppliers and research institutions, potentially accelerating innovation and reducing transportation costs.

According to Natilus, these aircraft, characterized by their carbon fiber airframes, will offer advantages in fuel consumption, carbon emissions, and payload capacity. 

In addition, the KONA, which can navigate rugged terrain and extreme weather conditions, achieves a 30% reduction in fuel consumption, a 40% increase in volumetric capacity, and a 50% decrease in carbon emissions compared to traditional freighter designs, all while using existing engine technology.

Nolinor Aviation is the newest customer that reserves multiple KONA production slots for its operations in northern Canada.

Once operational, the 250,000-square-foot facility will generate significant economic benefits, with an expected annual production capacity of 60 KONA aircraft. The company also plans to employ 300 full-time skilled workers in manufacturing, aerospace, propulsion, and test engineering, including production and quality roles, test pilots, and machine technicians.

For Phase I, Natilus will prioritize locations with robust state and local incentive programs, adequate runway length, airspace clearance, and proximity to key suppliers and transportation infrastructure.

In the second phase, the company plans to develop a significantly larger 2.5 million-square-foot facility dedicated to the production of the HORIZON passenger aircraft, which is classed in the same narrowbody segment as Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s. Nautilus is also engaged with many prospective states and countries such as the US, UAE, India, and Saudi Arabia for potential sites.

This facility is projected to be operational in the early 2030s and is expected to hire around 3,000 skilled employees.

Image source by Natilus