Natilus Receives $3.5M Air Force Funding for Kona Freighter Prototype
What happened
Natilus received $3.5 million in research, development, test and evaluation funding from the U.S. Air Force for its Kona regional freighter. As the company moves into full-scale prototype manufacturing, Natilus ordered PT6 engines from Pratt & Whitney Canada, and Collins Aerospace supplied a cargo loading system.
From compositesworld.com
Why it matters
The funding is intended to accelerate the Kona toward full-scale flight testing and a Joint Force demonstration. The orders for engines and components support the manufacturing of the optionally piloted blended wing body aircraft.
From compositesworld.com
Who's involved
- NatilusAmerican aerospace company receiving Air Force funding and ordering components
- Pratt & Whitney CanadaCanada-based manufacturer supplying PT6 engines to Natilus
- Collins AerospaceAmerican aerospace manufacturer supplying a cargo loading system to Natilus
- PENTAGONOversees the U.S. Air Force that provided the RDT&E funding
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- Pratt & Whitney CanadaSpeculative
Pratt & Whitney Canada might see increased contract fulfillment revenue from the government-funded Kona freighter program.
- NatilusSpeculative
Natilus could use the $3.5 million RDT&E funding to support the costs of full-scale prototype manufacturing.
- Collins AerospaceSpeculative
Collins Aerospace might see increased supply chain revenue from supplying the cargo loading system for the funded prototype.
Keep exploring
The entities involved
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Collins Aerospace
American aerospace manufacturer
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Natilus
American aerospace company
Nothing else this week.
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Pratt & Whitney Canada
Canada-based aircraft engine manufacturer