Natilus Selects CUG to Build Wings for Full-Scale Kona Prototype

Natilus selected Composites Universal Group (CUG) to manufacture wings for its full-scale Kona prototype, the companies announced November 11, 2026. CUG will build the wings at its Oregon facility.

Key details

• Delivery to Natilus is planned for spring 2027.
• Natilus says the wings will use carbon fiber and a conventional spar-and-rib structure, without internal fuel tanks.
• After delivery, the wings are expected to undergo material coupon, bonded-joint and limit-load tests before a full-scale demonstration flight.
• Natilus describes Kona as an optionally piloted aircraft with a payload capacity of 3.8 metric tons and an approximate range of 1,480 kilometers.
• Natilus announced a $3.5 million U.S. Air Force research, development, test and evaluation award for Kona development on October 21, 2026.
• Natilus says it has more than 570 aircraft pre-orders with a stated value of $24 billion.

Natilus says the Kona can carry 3.8 metric tons over an approximate range of 1,480 kilometers.

Why it matters

The planned structural tests will assess wing materials, bonded joints and performance under limit loads before the prototype’s demonstration flight. Natilus’s stated payload and range figures describe the intended capacity of the optionally piloted cargo aircraft.