Natilus has commissioned Composites Universal Group (CUG) to manufacture the wings for the full-scale prototype of its KONA blended-wing-body (BWB) regional freighter. Announced on November 11, 2026, the contract marks a manufacturing milestone for the aircraft, which is being developed for cargo and defense applications.
CUG will produce the wings at its facility in Oregon, drawing on its experience with aerospace programs involving Airbus Defence and Space, Boeing, Archer Aviation, and SpaceX. The company has developed a streamlined tooling process intended to reduce manufacturing costs and shorten the production timeline, with delivery to Natilus expected in spring 2027.
The wing design will use a conventional structural arrangement of spars and ribs, based on established configurations used in certified transport and cargo aircraft. Natilus and CUG plan to apply proven engineering methods and material technologies rather than introduce an entirely new wing architecture. The structures will incorporate FAA-standard aerospace materials and conventional cable-and-pulley flight controls. They will also have a dry-wing configuration, without integrated fuel tanks.
Unlike conventional aluminium aircraft wings, KONA's wings will use carbon fibre composites. The material is expected to provide improved resistance to corrosion and fatigue while reducing the number of individual components and fasteners required for assembly. The approach also limits the need for riveted panels and extensive drilling, supporting a less complex manufacturing process.
The wing development is part of Natilus's broader effort to bring KONA to full-scale flight testing. The company recently received US Air Force research and development funding of USD 3.5 million to accelerate the aircraft's development.
After delivery, the wings will be transported to Natilus's San Diego hangar for coupon testing, bond-joint testing, and limit-load testing. These evaluations will assess structural performance and durability before the aircraft proceeds to its full-scale demonstration flight.
“Natilus is pushing the envelope by designing an aircraft that offers impressive reductions in fuel consumption and operational costs, but our disciplined approach and vast expertise in building next-gen aircrafts – from eVTOLs to unmanned systems – makes us a strong partner for this endeavor,” said Steve Ruege, co-founder, President and CEO of Composites Universal Group.
KONA is designed to offer 40% greater payload capacity than comparable conventional aircraft, alongside reductions in fuel consumption and operating costs. Natilus states that its blended-wing-body aircraft family is targeting up to 30% lower fuel consumption and 50% lower operating costs.
“KONA’s blended wing may look different than any plane on the market today, but we are utilizing off-the-shelf technology for the wing build,” said Aleksey Matyushev, CEO of Natilus. “At Natilus, we are committed to building an aircraft that delivers on the quality standards that our freighter customers and the U.S. Air Force expect and require.”
Source: Natilus | News
