200-passenger hybrid aircraft

The Natilus's seamless wing-to-body design will create more lift and less drag, while cutting emissions in half.

Aerospace startup Natilus aims to compete with the big players in the civil aviation industry, announcing plans to build a Horizon passenger/cargo plane that can carry 200 passengers from New York to London with 50% fewer emissions, New Atlas reported on November 11.

Natilus' Horizon aircraft silhouette. (Photo: Natilus).

One promising alternative to the standard aircraft wing-and-tube fuselage configuration is the wing-and-body (BWB) design, in which the wings and fuselage are joined together without a clear dividing line. The BWB concept has been around since the 1920s, with its practical application being the B-1 Lancer nuclear bomber. Today, BWBs have the potential to challenge the mainstream airliner designs.

The advantage of the wing-to-body design is that there is no joint between the wing and the fuselage, which greatly reduces drag . In addition, the wing and fuselage together also help create more lift instead of relying on the wing. This aircraft also has more interior space to accommodate passengers, cargo, or fuel. Finally, the vehicle can accommodate hydrogen fuel tanks and support structures, making air travel "greener . "

Natilus wants to develop a family of hybrid aircraft, with the largest model, the Horizon, carrying 200 passengers on intercontinental flights with 50% lower emissions and 30% lower fuel consumption. In addition, its volume is increased by 40% compared to traditional designs, capable of carrying cargo equivalent to the narrow-body Boeing 737 and Airbus A320.

With future demand for passenger aircraft outstripping production capacity and Boeing in financial trouble, this is an opportunity for Natilus to enter the market. However, there are some limitations to the hybrid wing. Airports will need to adapt to accommodate them, and passengers may not want to sit too far from the window.

'The aviation market is looking for real solutions to become more sustainable, efficient and profitable,' said Aleksey Matyushev, co-founder and CEO of Natilus. 'With Horizon, we are introducing innovative aviation that benefits the industry while protecting the planet for future generations . '