Natilus Unveils Ambitious Twin-Deck Blended Wing Design for Horizon Evo Airliner

Natilus, a startup based in San Diego, is reimagining aircraft design with its upcoming Horizon Evo, featuring a unique twin-deck blended wing configuration. This approach is intended to streamline the certification process and enhance its appeal to airlines.

CEO Aleksey Matyushev explained that moving towards a more conventional fuselage shape addresses critical issues like pressurization while also improving aerodynamics. “By adopting a traditional layout, we managed to narrow the fuselage, aligning it with existing airport infrastructure, and enhance passenger access throughout the cabin,” he remarked.

Horizon Evo is poised to enter the market in the early 2030s, accommodating between 150 and 250 passengers, depending on the chosen arrangement. Matyushev noted that these modifications bring its operational range closer to that of the Airbus A321XLR, which can cover approximately 4,700 nautical miles.

The hallmark of the blended wing design is its integration of the wings and fuselage, a concept that has intrigued aerospace engineers for nearly a century but never achieved commercial viability. Early theories and experimental flights have indicated significant potential for reduced drag and up to 30% increased fuel efficiency compared to traditional aircraft designs. However, challenges persist, including headroom considerations and ensuring rapid passenger egress during emergencies.

The double-deck configuration not only resolves many of these barriers but also increases cargo capacity in the lower section of the aircraft while allowing more room for fuel, thereby extending range. Feedback from the FAA has been promising, although the agency has not commented on ongoing certification efforts.

“Our design presents a widebody silhouette in a narrowbody framework, which simplifies understanding for certification authorities,” Matyushev stated, illustrating the regulatory advantages of this hybrid approach.

Interestingly, Natilus is carving a path that diverges from its competitor JetZero, which is focused on a single-deck blended wing model meant for broader commercial purposes, including military applications. JetZero's aircraft is designed to carry 200-250 passengers and achieve a remarkable 5,000 nautical miles range.

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Matyushev believes there’s ample market space for both Natilus and JetZero, given their distinct product strategies. A spokesperson for JetZero has indicated that they, too, are targeting a launch in the early 2030s, with appropriate cargo accommodations included in their design.

The concept of a blended wing has evolved dramatically since its inaugural flight in 1924 with the ill-fated Westland Dreadnought. Although that early effort failed, it led to decades of research, including work by aerodynamicist Robert Liebeck in the 1980s that helped shape modern design thinking. Boeing's acquisition of Liebeck's work included the development of experimental units like the X-48, which flew but ultimately did not progress to the commercial stage.

Matyushev explained that Natilus has drawn from historical designs while attempting to innovate further. JetZero’s designs show clear influences from the past, as their team includes members who were part of the original blended wing body projects in the 1990s.

However, industry experts like analyst Bill Sweetman warn that Natilus’ larger airframe could require thicker wings, potentially counteracting some aerodynamic advantages. “The question lies in managing the balance of wing thickness to maintain efficiency, especially at higher velocities,” Sweetman remarked.

Despite these concerns, Natilus anticipates no weight increase from the design changes and aims for a 30% boost in efficiency relative to existing aircraft. Matyushev is optimistic about meeting their timeline, targeting a launch around 2033 to 2034, but acknowledges the hurdles ahead, referencing SpaceX’s iterative innovation as a model for accelerated development.

“It’s critical for companies like ours to challenge existing paradigms and catalyze advancements in the industry,” he added, emphasizing the potential impact of the Horizon Evo.