FutureFlight
ZeroAvia's Hydrogen-electric Propulsion System Will Power Natilus's Kona Cargo Drone
With a 3.8-ton payload and range of up to 900 nm, the Kona is the smallest member of a planned family of autonomous freighters.
Natilus Kona autonomous freight aircraft.
The Natilus Kona autonomous freight aircraft will be powered by ZeroAvia's hydrogen-electric propulsion system. (Image: Natilus)

ZeroAvia’s ZA600 hydrogen-electric propulsion system will power Natilus’s Kona autonomous cargo aircraft. The two California-based companies announced the partnership on May 25.

The twin turboprop Kona is a blended-wing-body (BWB) design that will be the first member of a family of aircraft. According to ZeroAvia, the airframe architecture offers plenty of space for storing hydrogen fuel, allowing for a payload of 3.8 tons (8,360 pounds) and a range of 900 nm.