ZeroAvia’s ZA600 will be the sole hydrogen-electric propulsion source offered for the Kona short-haul feeder UAV, which has a blended-wing body (BWB) offering increased volume for hydrogen storage, potentially transforming air cargo delivery with lower costs and carbon emissions while extending the flight range.
The partnership with ZeroAvia will leverage expertise in hydrogen-electric powertrain technology with Natilus’ design to provide long-range zero-emission deliveries.
Natilus has validated the performance of the BWB with flight testing of a quarter-scale Kona prototype aircraft and ZeroAvia has conducted 8 test flights of its prototype ZA600, 600kW engine in a 19-seat testbed aircraft.
Aleksey Matyushev, Co-Founder and CEO of Natilus, says, “Natilus has a long-term commitment to being a responsible steward of our environment, instituting practices that can protect the environment through continual improvements to save fuel and water, reduce waste, air emissions, noise, and material consumption. The Natilus-ZeroAvia partnership goes further, bringing the talents and innovations of the two companies together to deliver much needed innovation in the air cargo delivery industry and multiple solutions for our customers.”
Val Miftakhov, Founder and CEO of ZeroAvia, adds, “Given Natilus' impressive order book and corresponding technology development, working together on integrating the ZA600 as a line-fit engine for Kona can multiply the emissions and costs benefits that are already interesting cargo operators. We all depend on air cargo operators, and some communities depend on them absolutely, so improving the economics and environmental impacts of these operations while increasing service levels is a massive opportunity.”