Natilus Commissions Composites Universal Group to Build KONA Freighter Wings for Spring 2027

Natilus has commissioned Composites Universal Group to build wings for the full-scale prototype of its KONA blended-wing-body regional freighter, with delivery to Natilus promised for spring 2027. PR Newswire published the announcement on November 11, 2026.

How Composites Universal Group Will Build the KONA Wing

Composites Universal Group will build the wing at its Oregon facility, using a streamlined tooling process the company says reduces costs and shortens the timeline. The composites manufacturer has worked with Airbus Defense & Space, Boeing, Archer Aviation and SpaceX. Natilus said the wing follows a conventional layout with spars and ribs, the same basic structure flown on certified aircraft for decades, and emulates production of the Beechcraft King Air series at Textron Aviation.

The wing will use FAA-standard aerospace materials, a cable and pulley system for flight controls, and carbon fiber in place of aluminum. Natilus cites reduced corrosion rates and fatigue resistance over time, plus fewer parts and fasteners to join the wing. The wings will be "dry," containing no fuel tanks. Natilus said the design combines aerodynamic improvements with 40% additional payload capacity.

"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'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."

Once the wings arrive at Natilus's San Diego hangar, they will undergo coupon and bond joint testing and then limit load testing to validate the physics and durability ahead of the full-scale demonstration flight.

Natilus Funding and Order Book Behind the Wing Contract

According to akta.pro company records, Natilus closed a $28 million Series A in February 2026 led by Draper Associates with participation from Flexport, New Vista Capital, Type One Ventures and others, funding the KONA full-scale prototype and HORIZON EVO development. The same records list a $3.5 million grant in October 2026 from the Operational Energy Capability Improvement Fund of the United States Air Force, and 570+ aircraft pre-orders valued at $24 billion, with reservations from SpiceJet, Nolinor Aviation, Flexport and Ameriflight.

Air Force Award and FAA Steps Before the Wing Build

On October 30, 2026, Compositesworld reported that Natilus received $3.5 million in Air Force RDT&E funding to advance Kona toward flight testing, supporting full-scale prototype manufacturing with a carbon fiber wing shipset on order. On October 21, 2026, PR Newswire reported the Air Force awarded Natilus $3.5 million to advance KONA for contested logistics, supporting an operational demonstration toward FAA Part 23 certification. On July 8, 2026, Compositesworld reported that the FAA assigned a project number to the Kona regional cargo aircraft, formally initiating its Part 23 certification program.

KONA Testing and Flight Timeline

Natilus targets a full-scale prototype first flight in 2027 or early 2028, Aerospace Global News reported on June 19, 2026. The wing delivery is set for spring 2027, after which coupon, bond joint and limit load testing will precede the demonstration flight.