Natilus giant cargo drones will be powered by hydrogen engines with up to 2.5MW

Natilus is working on cargo drones that have a 'flying wing' aerodynamic design. They will be equipped with hydrogen propulsion systems.

Here's What We Know

Natilus has developed the 1-to-4 scale Kona cargo drone. It is the result of three years of wind tunnel testing. The drone is being tested in California and flies on internal combustion engines. The hydrogen propulsion system will be developed by ZeroAvia and will reduce emissions.

The first flight test of a full-scale Kona drone is scheduled for 2024. The drone will have a 22-metre wingspan and will be able to transport cargo weighing up to 3,800 kg over a distance of up to 1,667 km using aviation paraffin.

Natilus plans to begin commercial operation of the drone in 2025. The drone will also be equipped with a 600 kW hydrogen propulsion system. ZeroAvia has already developed and tested the new engine. However, Natilus will have to reduce either range or cargo weight.

The company is also working on larger drones. They are called Alision and Nordes. Their maximum payloads are 60,000kg and 100,000kg respectively. ZeroAvia will develop 2.5 MW hydrogen engines for them. The new propulsion systems will be available by 2026.

Source: New Atlas