Natilus begins flight test of autonomous drone

San Diego-based Natilus has begun flight testing of a scale-model prototype of its 4.3-tonne-capable Kona autonomous cargo drone. The series of flight tests occurred at a private airport in the southern California desert, Natilus told Air Cargo Next. During the test, the one-quarter-scale composite model reached speeds of 60 knots, validating the aerodynamic performance and stability of the Kona’s unique blended wing body design, Natilus said. [caption id="attachment_56863239" align="alignright" width="450"] Natilus conducted the first flight test of its scale model earlier this week. (Photo/Natilus)[/caption] While the first flight is expected in 2024, Natilus told Air Cargo Next that it is in the process of finalizing orders from new customers that will be announced soon. In January, Natilus announced an order for twenty units of the Kona from Dallas-based Ameriflight . The cargo drone manufacturer previously stated that it had earned more than $6 billion in commitments for more than 440 units . According to a statement, when complete, the full-scale Kona will be able to carry 4.3 tonnes of payload at ranges of 900 nautical miles, with an average cruising speed of 220 knots. Kona’s estimated maximum payload has increased by 500 kilograms since its launch in 2022 . Natilus said that it recorded airspeed, accelerometer, pressure, GPS and other data during the test that will be used in preparation for future flights. The recent flight tests utilized an open-loop remote control system, however Natilus plans to work the code for the autopilot it is developing onboard the scale prototype in later tests. Natilus completed assembly of the vertical stabilizers for its full-scale Kona, said that it expects to receive the first Hartzell propellers for its Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67 engines in May. The propellers will allow the company to begin engine testing for its prototype aircraft. The drone manufacturer previously partnered with Sedro-Woolley, Wash.-based engineering firm Janicki to produce the prototype aircraft. Natilus told Air Cargo Next t will pursue both European Union Aviation Safety Agency and U.S. Federal Aviation Administration certification in parallel.

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