Natilus announces partnership with Palantir to integrate AI tech into design
SAN DIEGO - Aerospace manufacturer Natilus in San Diego has entered into a strategic partnership with Palantir Technologies in Denver to accelerate development of its blended-wing-body (BWB) aircraft using artificial intelligence to streamline design, production, and supply chain management.
The partnership includes the deployment of Palantir's Warp Speed operating system at Natilus’s manufacturing operations. The software platform will use real-time data, AI-driven analytics, and modeling to enhance production efficiency, increase supply chain resiliency, and support long-term goals such as predictive maintenance and in-flight performance monitoring.
"The U.S. desperately needs a boost in aircraft manufacturing, and Natilus is operating at the forefront of sustainable aircraft manufacturing," said Aleksey Matyushev, co-founder and CEO of Natilus. "Our success hinges on accelerating our production capabilities, and leveraging Palantir’s AI-driven platform will allow us to transform our manufacturing operations to run more efficiently and meet customer demand."
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Founded in 2016, Natilus is developing a family of efficient BWB aircraft, which it says is designed to reduce fuel consumption by up to 30% and increase cargo volume by 60% compared to traditional tube-and-wing aircraft. The aircraft utilizes advanced carbon fiber composite construction, simplified control surfaces, and embedded electric taxiing systems to reduce ground emissions. The BWB design also enables shorter runway operations, improving airport compatibility.
The current lineup includes the KONA, a regional unmanned freighter capable of carrying over 3.8 metric tons of cargo, and the larger HORIZON, designed to transport up to 200 passengers. The aircraft are aimed at both cargo and passenger markets with an emphasis on sustainability, operational efficiency, and long-term cost savings.
In addition to Palantir, Natilus has partnered with Janicki Industries in Hamilton, Wash., for composite airframe manufacturing, Collins Aerospace in Charlotte, N.C., for advanced flight control systems, and ZeroAvia in Hollister, Calif., for potential hydrogen-electric propulsion integration in future models. The company is also working with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on type certification pathways and recently completed wind tunnel testing in partnership with the U.S. Air Force through its AFWERX program.
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"Natilus is delivering the future of sustainable aircraft, and we are extremely proud of deploying software that supports the sustained competitive advantage of their blended-wing-body aircraft," said Emily Nguyen, Palantir’s Head of Industrials. "By providing the foundation on which Natilus will integrate all aspects of their aircraft design, engineering and manufacturing, Palantir is committed to helping Natilus build faster and strengthen the U.S.'s position in the global aviation landscape."
Jamie Whitney
Jamie Whitney joined the staff of Military & Aerospace Electronics and Intelligent Aerospace. He brings seven years of print newspaper experience to the aerospace and defense electronics industry.
Whitney oversees editorial content for the Intelligent Aerospace Website, as well as produce news and features for Military & Aerospace Electronics, attend industry events, produce Webcasts, oversee print production of Military & Aerospace Electronics, and expand the Intelligent Aerospace and Military & Aerospace Electronics franchises with new and innovative content.
