Fewer CO2 emissions, more cargo space. 

California-based startup Natilus has unveiled an unmanned aircraft that it believes will make air cargo more sustainable as well as cost-effective, a report from NewAtlas has revealed. 

The company designed a blended wing body aircraft, similar to NASA's X-48 'green airliner' concept, which it says allows it to offer "an estimated 60% more cargo volume than traditional aircraft of the same weight while reducing costs and carbon dioxide per pound by 50%".

Natilus's first model, the N3.8T, will have a maximum take-off weight of 8,618 kg and a range of 1,667km, with a capacity to carry loads of up to 3,855 kg. The company recently completed a second wind tunnel test (shown in the video below) of its twin-engine turboprop design and it says it aims to make the first deliveries of the unmanned aircraft some time around 2025. 

Cutting air freight costs in half

Much in the same fashion as Nasa with its X-48 concept, Natilus utilised a blended wing airframe to offer improved fuel efficiency, reducing the environmental impact of the N3.8T.

The body also allows for more cargo space, meaning reduced operations costs. "Reducing the cost of air freight by up to 50% will bring fresher produce into our stores, enable cross-border e-commerce to flourish, and enable low infrastructure regions to develop," said Aleksey Matyushev, CEO of Natilus, in a statement.

The aim is for Natilus' freight drones to start off delivering small packages before larger models are developed with greater payload capacities and ranges as high as 8,220km. Natilus just announced an agreement with drone network operator Volatus Aerospace for it to receive the first production N3.8T.

Several companies are aiming to improve air cargo efficiency amid supply chain struggles caused by the pandemic as well as record e-commerce demand. Boeing, for example, just announced it is developing its new 777-8 Freighter, which will have a 25% improvement in fuel efficiency.

Another California firm called H2 Clipper is looking for funding to help it develop a zero-emissions airship concept that could operate at one-quarter the price of traditional air cargo. With the aviation industry aiming to curb its impact on the environment, air cargo could be in for a big shake-up.