Natilus, a U.S. corporation, is producing the world's first purposefully designed and manufactured autonomous aircraft for air freight transport. As a big step forward, Natilus has partnered with Janicki for composite part design and fabrication, due to their renowned reputation for innovation and quality workmanship as a tier 1 supplier. Through Natilus' design and development of a mostly composite, blended-wing body, autonomous aircraft, the company will provide customers with double the cargo volume for each trip, while simultaneously reducing up to 60% of today's cargo transport cost. On top of the customer benefits, the technology and unique shape of the blended wing body also thrusts aerospace toward a greener future with a 50% reduced carbon footprint per vehicle, and a clear path to zero emissions with hydrogen. Natilus' N3.8T is scheduled to fly in 2024.

“We selected Janicki because they are a family-owned and operated company, founded and run by engineers with the highest qualifications and experience in designing large-scale, high-precision prototypes, tools and production parts,” said Natilus CEO Aleksey Matyushev.

“Janicki is pleased to partner with Natilus on the 3.8T prototype. Autonomous aircraft are the future of the air freight industry, and we are very excited to be working on this leading-edge project,” said John Janicki, president of Janicki.