Natilus’ remotely piloted freighter to take flight in 2025

California-based Natilus has developed a remotely piloted cargo freighter that is expected to begin deliveries in 2025 and is designed to compete with traditional freighters. Canadian drone services and manufacturing company Volatus Aerospace in January secured the first production delivery slot for Natilus’ N3.8T cargo freighter, the companies announced Jan. 25. [caption id="attachment_417466" align="alignright" width="560"] The 3.8T is the smallest member of Natilus’ planned family. (Photo/Natilus)[/caption] Natilus CEO and Co-founder Aleksey Matyushev told Cargo Facts that t he remotely piloted freighter is the first aircraft in production that is targeted for the domestic market. The twin-engine turboprop would act as a feeder aircraft and transport cargo to smaller markets, . “It’s really no different than any other freighter,” Matyushev said. “We [transport] standard cargo. The big conversation within the industry is the express e-commerce space.” “The airplane is optimized for that market and of course, we can transport the usual products like perishables, vaccines and pharmaceuticals,” he added. Unlike some other cargo drone and remote pilot aircraft providers , Natilus does not plan to operate the freighter, Matyushev said, instead preferring to design and build aircraft. The company already has additional customers lined up for its cargo freighter, but Matyushev declined to provide names ahead of an upcoming announcement. The N3.8T will have a maximum takeoff weight of 19,000 lbs. (8.6 tonnes), a maximum range of 1,035 miles (1,666 kilometers) and is expected to carry a load of LD3 containers to a maximum weight of 8,500 lbs. (3.9 tonnes), according to Natilus. The aircraft does not require new airport infrastructure to operate, as it can use existing infrastructure, ground support equipment, standard loaders and pallets. For comparison purposes, the N3.8T is similar to a Beechcraft 1900 in terms of weight, Matyushev said. The freighter can use both traditional and sustainable aviation fuels, according to Natilus. The N3.8T is not the only freighter Natilus is developing. Still in the early design phase are the 60-tonne 60T, the 110-tonne 100T and the 140-tonne 130T, designed for intercontinental operations. Cargo Facts EMEA will take place LIVE May 9-11 in Dubai. Learn more and register.

Natilus’ remotely piloted freighter to take flight in 2025

Volatus Aerospace gets first production delivery slot

Air Cargo Carriers eyes growth with ATRs and Dash 8s

Textron rolls out first production SkyCourier freighter

Related Posts

Kepplair to certify first reversible ATR 72F water bomber conversion next year

Mammoth Freighters Steinhagen joins Cargo Facts Symposium 2026

FAA clears Boeing to extend 777F production through 2030

Textron rolls out first production SkyCourier freighter

Cargo Facts Free Newsletters

Cargo Facts Connect Podcast

Follow Us

Welcome Back!

Retrieve your password