Pentagon Funds Natilus Kona BWB Freighter For Contested Logistics Demo

The US Air Force awarded Natilus $3.5 million in research, development, test and evaluation funding to advance the optionally piloted KONA blended-wing-body regional freighter for contested logistics. Announced on October 21, 2026, the work will move the aircraft toward full-scale flight testing and a demonstration of military cargo operations in an operationally relevant environment. Natilus describes KONA as a 3.8-ton-payload aircraft intended to serve austere or dispersed locations, with potential efficiency advantages from its blended-wing configuration. The award supports development and evaluation, not a procurement commitment or proof that the company's projected performance has been achieved.