Natilus’s plane design with no seams between the wings and the body will create more lift and less drag, while reducing emissions by half.
Natilus’s Horizon aircraft. Image: Stolen
Aerospace startup Natilus aims to compete with major players in the civil aviation industry, announcing plans to build a Horizon monoplane passenger/cargo plane that can carry 200 passengers from New York to London with 50% fewer emissions, New Atlas reported on November 11.
One of the promising solutions to replace the tubular wing and fuselage configuration of standard aircraft is the monocoque wing (BWB), in which the wings and fuselage join together without a clear dividing line. The idea of the BWB has existed since the 1920s with a practical application being the B-1 Lancer nuclear bomber. Currently, BWB has the ability to challenge popular passenger aircraft models.
The advantage of the monocoque wing design is that there is no connection between the wing and the fuselage, greatly reducing drag. In addition, the wings and fuselage together also help create more lift instead of depending on the wing. This model also has more interior space to accommodate passengers, cargo or fuel. Finally, the vehicle could contain hydrogen fuel tanks and support structures, making air traffic “greener”.
Natilus wants to develop a line of monoplanes with the largest model being the Horizon, carrying 200 passengers on an intercontinental flight with 50% lower emissions and 30% less fuel consumption. In addition, its volume is increased by 40% compared to the traditional design, and can carry the same amount of cargo as a Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 narrow-body aircraft.
With future demand for passenger jets exceeding production capacity and Boeing in financial trouble, this is Natilus’s opportunity to enter the market. However, monoplanes have some limitations. Airports will need to adapt to accommodate them, and passengers may not want to sit in rows too far from the window.
“The aviation market is looking for real solutions to become more sustainable, efficient and profitable,” said Aleksey Matyushev, co-founder and CEO of Natilus. Let me know. “With Horizon, we are introducing innovative air mobility that benefits industry while keeping the planet safe for generations to come.”