AviationNews – Natilus, an American aerospace start-up, has successfully raised $28 million in a Series A funding round to accelerate the development of its KONA prototype. This investment marks a pivotal step toward commercializing a new generation of autonomous, blended-wing-body (BWB) aircraft designed to slash fuel consumption and carbon emissions by 30%.
The financing round, announced on February 10, 2026, was led by Draper Associates and supported by a diverse group of investors including Type One Ventures, The Veterans Fund, and Flexport. These funds are specifically earmarked for the final assembly and initial flight testing of the KONA, an optionally-piloted regional cargo freighter. With a current order book exceeding 570 aircraft valued at $24 billion, Natilus is positioning itself to challenge the traditional “tube-and-wing” dominance of Boeing and Airbus by offering a more voluminous and cost-efficient alternative for global logistics.
The KONA aircraft features a unique diamond-shaped cargo bay that offers 60% more internal volume than conventional freighters of a similar size. Technically, the blended-wing design functions by making the entire airframe—not just the wings—generate lift, which significantly reduces aerodynamic drag. This efficiency allows the aircraft to carry a 3.8-ton payload over a range of 900 nautical miles, while its ability to operate from short, austere runways makes it a prime candidate for both commercial “middle-mile” delivery and military logistics in remote regions.
“The aviation market is ripe for a new aircraft manufacturing entrant,” said Tim Draper, Founding Partner of Draper Associates. “Natilus’s innovative and technology-driven approach to developing blended-wing aircraft has opened the doors for air freight and passenger airlines alike to embrace these new planes.”
Looking ahead, Natilus aims to conduct the first full-scale flight of the KONA within the next 24 months, with commercial deliveries expected by the end of the decade. The success of this prototype will also serve as a technological foundation for the HORIZON EVO, a larger 200-passenger BWB aircraft slated for the early 2030s.
By securing this capital, Natilus is transforming from a design concept into a tangible manufacturing force. The company is currently scouting locations for a 250,000-square-foot facility capable of producing 60 aircraft annually, signaling a major shift toward sustainable, autonomous aviation.
