Natilus unveils dual-deck Horizon Evo blended wing jet
San Diego-based aerospace startup Natilus has unveiled a major design update to its Horizon Evo blended-wing airliner, shifting the aircraft from a single-deck layout to a dual-deck configuration. The change follows feedback from the Federal Aviation Administration and prospective global airline customers.
The redesigned Horizon Evo aims to deliver significantly greater fuel efficiency and lower operating costs than conventional tube-and-wing airliners, particularly the single-aisle jets that dominate short- and medium-haul markets. By adopting a blended-wing body (BWB) architecture—where the fuselage and wings merge into a single lifting surface—the aircraft reduces aerodynamic drag and improves overall efficiency.
According to Natilus, the move to a dual-deck platform enhances practicality in certification, operations and passenger experience. “In our ongoing conversations with the FAA and customers, there’s real excitement around what our new airframe brings, not only in terms of fuel economics, but in addressing some of the recent and real pain points in aviation today around safety, passenger experience and aircraft shortages,” said co-founder and CEO Aleksey Matyushev.
The dual-deck layout is designed to improve operational flexibility. Increased overhead storage and a more spacious upper deck respond to airline demand for additional window seats—traditionally a challenge for blended-wing concepts. Multiple aisles in both premium and economy cabins are intended to ease boarding and deplaning while supporting faster turnaround times.
Importantly, the Horizon Evo maintains compatibility with existing airport infrastructure. The aircraft is designed to operate within current gate footprints and ground-handling systems. Its lower deck will be capable of carrying standard air-freight containers, expanding revenue flexibility for airlines.
Natilus says its blended-wing family of aircraft could cut fuel consumption by 30 percent and reduce carbon emissions and operating costs by up to 50 percent compared with today’s narrowbody jets. Horizon Evo is positioned to compete with aircraft such as the Boeing 737 MAX and the Airbus A321neo.
The company recently secured $28 million in Series A funding, capital it plans to use to complete manufacturing of its first full-scale prototype, the KONA regional cargo aircraft, which is expected to fly within the next 24 months. Additional investment will support continued development of Horizon Evo, a 200-plus-passenger aircraft aimed at challenging the longstanding Boeing-Airbus duopoly.
“We’re not just building aircraft,” Matyushev said. “We’re reshaping the future of aviation beyond the limitations of the tube-and-wing airframe.”
Related News: https://airguide.info/?s=BWB
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com