Natilus N3.8T

Natilus N3. 8T Story

Natilus, a San Diego-based startup, is pioneering a revolutionary approach to global trucking through its new family of driverless trucks, with the N3.8T taking the lead. In addition to this, Natilus is developing a range of jet-powered aircraft, including the N.60T, N.100T, and N.130T, to cover domestic and international cargo routes. The overarching goal is to equip the expanding air cargo industry with drones that can carry heavier payloads and travel longer distances than conventional commercial aircraft.

The first test flight of the N3.8T prototype is scheduled for 2023, and the design considers the existing logistics infrastructure. A Ground Control Station (GCS) will enable a single operator to manage up to three of these aircraft, using software that minimizes their workload for maximum efficiency. User stations will connect to the aircraft through cloud-based systems and satellite communications, reducing the reliance on traditional pilots.

The N3.8T itself features a futuristic design, offering a spacious cargo compartment that can accommodate up to 60% more cargo than typical airliners. Its engines are positioned at the rear, and it utilizes backward-facing propellers. Large cargo access doors and retractable wheeled landing gear facilitate ground operations. Natilus has partnered with Collins Aerospace to develop a specialized cargo loading system for the N3.8T, which boasts a payload capacity of 4.3 tons, a range of 900 nautical miles, and a cruising speed of 220 knots, making it a promising addition to the evolving air cargo landscape.

Specification

Basics

Years in Service: 2025

Origins: United States

Status: Program is running.

Crew: 0

Production: 1

Manufacturer: Natilus - USA

Roles

Transportation

General transport function for moving supplies/cargo or people (including casualties and VIPs) out of range.

Notable Features

Multi-engine

Include two or more engines to improve survivability and/or performance.

Wing sweep

The main plane or leading edge has retraction lines for improved high speed performance and handling.

Inner bay

Hull volume includes space for internal weapons or special mission equipment.

High performance

The ability to fly and operate at higher altitudes than the average aircraft of the day.

Extended range performance

Ability to travel long distances using on-board fuel supplies.

Seaport

Able to operate over the ocean and survive certain harsh marine environments.

Scalable

Has retractable/retractable landing gear to maintain aerodynamic efficiency.

Extended Access

The design includes features to facilitate loading/unloading of cargo/people from the aircraft.

Unmanned operation

The design features the ability to fly without a pilot, with actions controlled by onboard programming and/or ground operators.

Autonomous operation

The design features autonomous flight operations through artificial intelligence or onboard pre-programming.

Camera equipment

Payload supports photographic devices that provide still and/or live image/video results.

Dimensions and Weights

Curb Weight: 9,502 lbs (4,310 kg)

MTOW: 19,004 lbs (8,620 kg)

Wgt Difference: +9,502 lbs (+4,310 kg)

MAINPLANE STRUCTURE

Monoplane

Designed to use a single main wing main aircraft; this is the most popular arrangement of main aircraft.

Center

The main aircraft is mounted below the center on the sides of the fuselage.

Straight

Floor plans involve the use of simple, straight main plan elements.

Performance

Installed: 2 x engines drive multi-blade propeller units in a thrust arrangement.

Maximum speed: 295 km/h (475 km/h | 256 knots)

Cruising speed: 252 km/h (405 km/h | 219 knots)

Maximum speed difference: +43 km/h (+70 km/h | 38 knots)

Area: 1,035 km (1,665 km | 3,084 nautical miles)