Natilus Commissions Composites Universal Group to Build Wings for Full-Scale KONA Blended-Wing-Body Freighter
Why It MattersBuilding a blended-wing-body freighter's wing from conventional spar-and-rib structure and off-the-shelf materials signals that new cargo airframe concepts are leaning on proven certification practice rather than novel structures.
Natilus, a U.S.-based aerospace manufacturer of blended-wing-body aircraft, announced on Nov. 11, 2026 that it has commissioned composites manufacturer Composites Universal Group to build the wings for the full-scale prototype of its KONA blended-wing regional freighter. The announcement follows the Air Force's recent investment of $3.5 million in R&D funding to accelerate KONA toward full-scale flight testing.
Composites Universal Group, which has worked with Airbus Defense & Space, Boeing, Archer Aviation and SpaceX, will build the wing at its Oregon facility using a streamlined tooling process meant to cut costs and speed the schedule. It is promising delivery to Natilus in spring 2027. The wing uses a conventional layout of spars and ribs, FAA-standard aerospace materials and a cable-and-pulley flight control system, and the wings will be dry, containing no fuel tanks. Unlike today's aluminum wings, it will be made of carbon fiber, which offers reduced corrosion and better fatigue resistance over time and needs fewer parts and fasteners.
Once delivered to Natilus's San Diego hangar, the wings will undergo coupon and bond joint testing, followed by limit load testing, ahead of the full-scale demonstration flight. Composites Universal Group CEO Steve Ruege said the company's experience building next-generation aircraft, from eVTOLs to unmanned systems, makes it a strong partner, and Natilus CEO Aleksey Matyushev said the company is using off-the-shelf technology for the wing build. Natilus, founded in 2016, says it holds more than 570 aircraft pre-orders valued at $24 billion.
