Technology & Innovation
NASA Tests CATNLF Wing Design to Cut Fuel Use by 10 Percent
NASA’s CATNLF wing design completed its first flight test, aiming to reduce fuel consumption by up to 10% for future commercial aircraft.
This article is based on an official press release from NASA.
On January 29, 2026, NASA achieved a significant milestone in sustainable aviation by conducting the first successful flight of the Crossflow Attenuated Natural Laminar Flow (CATNLF) wing design. According to the agency, the test took place at the NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, utilizing the agency’s F-15B Research Testbed aircraft. This Test-Flights marks the beginning of a comprehensive testing campaign aimed at validating aerodynamic technologies that could drastically reduce fuel consumption for future commercial airliners.
The experimental wing section, a 3-foot scale model, was mounted vertically underneath the F-15B’s fuselage to simulate flight conditions relevant to large transport aircraft. NASA reports that the primary objective of the 75-minute flight was to demonstrate that the specific wing geometry could maintain “laminar” (smooth) airflow over a swept wing, a feat that has historically been difficult to achieve without heavy mechanical systems.
This project is a key component of NASA’s Sustainable Flight National Partnership, which seeks to help the aviation industry reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. By refining the shape of the wing to passively control airflow, engineers hope to reduce drag significantly, offering a potential 10% reduction in fuel burn for long-haul jets.
Modern commercial jets utilize swept wings, angled backward from the fuselage, to fly efficiently at high transonic speeds. However, this design introduces a specific aerodynamic challenge known as “crossflow instability.” As air moves across a swept wing, it tends to become turbulent near the leading edge, increasing friction drag and fuel consumption.
According to NASA’s technical overview, the CATNLF design addresses this issue through geometry rather than mechanics. Instead of using heavy suction systems or active control devices to smooth the air, the CATNLF wing features a computer-optimized shape that manipulates air pressure distribution. This “dampens” crossflow instabilities, allowing the air to remain smooth and layered (laminar) over a much larger surface area.
For this specific test series, NASA did not fly a full-sized new aircraft. Instead, they utilized a “scaled wing” test article, a 40-inch tall model attached to the F-15B. This setup allows researchers to expose the model to the high speeds and specific angles of attack experienced by commercial airliners, gathering real-world data to validate computer simulations.
“It was incredible to see CATNLF fly after all of the hard work the team has put into preparing. Finally seeing that F-15 take off and get CATNLF into the air made all that hard work worth it.”
, Michelle Banchy, Research Principal Investigator, NASA Langley
The implications of this research extend well beyond aerodynamic theory. NASA estimates that if the CATNLF technology is successfully scaled up and applied to large, long-range aircraft like the Boeing 777, it could reduce fuel burn by up to 10%. In an industry where fuel costs are a primary operating expense, such an efficiency gain would translate to millions of dollars in annual savings per aircraft.
Furthermore, the environmental impact aligns with global climate goals. A reduction in fuel burn directly correlates to lower carbon dioxide emissions. Mike Frederick, the Principal Investigator at NASA Armstrong, emphasized the cumulative value of these improvements.
“Even small improvements in efficiency can add up to significant reductions in fuel burn and emissions for commercial airlines.”
, Mike Frederick, Principal Investigator, NASA Armstrong
We view the CATNLF project as a critical pivot point for “Green-Aviation.” While much industry attention is currently focused on radical propulsion changes, such as hydrogen or electric powertrains, those technologies remain decades away for long-haul wide-body aircraft. Aerodynamic refinements like CATNLF represent a “near-term” solution that can be integrated into the next generation of conventional tube-and-wing aircraft expected in the 2030s.
Unlike active laminar flow control systems, which require complex maintenance and add weight (often negating some fuel savings), NASA’s passive approach relies entirely on shape. If validated, this could allow Manufacturers to achieve double-digit efficiency gains without increasing the mechanical complexity of the airframe, a highly attractive proposition for airlines focused on reliability and maintenance costs.
The January 29 flight was merely the first of up to 15 planned test flights. NASA has indicated that future sorties will push the test article to various speeds and altitudes to map exactly where and when the laminar airflow breaks down. These data points are essential for refining the design before it can be considered for full-scale commercial production.
The project involves collaboration between NASA Langley Research Center, which led the design refinement, and NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center, which is conducting the flight operations. The ultimate goal is to transition this technology to the commercial sector in time for the next generation of single-aisle and wide-body airliners.
What does CATNLF stand for? Is this related to the company Scaled Composites? How much fuel can this save? When will we see this on real planes?
NASA Successfully Flies Experimental Wing Design to Slash Fuel Use
Understanding the CATNLF Technology
The Test Configuration
Economic and Environmental Impact
AirPro News Analysis
Future Outlook
Frequently Asked Questions
It stands for Crossflow Attenuated Natural Laminar Flow. It is a wing design method that uses shape to prevent air turbulence.
No. The term “scaled wing” in NASA’s reports refers to the size of the test model (a 3-foot scale model), not the aerospace manufacturer Scaled Composites.
NASA estimates that applying this technology to large transport aircraft could reduce fuel consumption by up to 10%.
If testing is successful, the technology could be integrated into new commercial aircraft designs entering service in the 2030s.
Sources
Photo Credit: NASA
Technology & Innovation
Natilus Raises $28M Series A to Develop Blended-Wing Aircraft
Natilus secures $28M Series A funding to advance Kona cargo drone and Horizon Evo passenger aircraft with blended-wing design.
This article is based on an official press release from Natilus and additional company documentation provided in the source material.
Natilus, a San Diego-based aerospace manufacturer, has announced the successful closing of a $28 million Series A funding round. The investment is set to accelerate the development of the company’s proprietary “blended-wing body” (BWB) aircraft, a design architecture intended to significantly reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions compared to traditional tube-and-wing airframes.
According to the company’s announcement, the funding will prioritize the completion and flight testing of the Kona, a full-scale cargo drone prototype, as well as the continued development of the Horizon Evo passenger aircraft. Natilus aims to address the aviation industry’s dual challenges of capacity shortages and aggressive decarbonization goals.
The Series A round was led by Draper Associates, the firm founded by venture capitalist Tim Draper. The financing also included participation from strategic investors across the logistics and defense sectors, including Flexport, Type One Ventures, The Veterans Fund, and New Vista Capital. Additional backing came from Soma Capital, Liquid 2 VC, VU Venture Partners, and Wave FX.
In its official statement, Natilus highlighted the strong market demand for its proposed fleet, reporting an order book of more than 570 aircraft pre-orders. The company values these commitments at approximately $24 billion. The capital injection is expected to help Natilus transition from design and prototyping into active flight testing.
Natilus is attempting to disrupt the aerospace market by commercializing the Blended-Wing Body (BWB) design. Unlike conventional aircraft where the fuselage and wings are distinct, a BWB integrates them into a single lifting surface. According to performance metrics released by the company, this aerodynamic shift offers several operational benefits:
“Global aircraft demand has outpaced the combined production capabilities of Boeing and Airbus… The market is hungry for a new manufacturing entrant that can navigate supply chain constraints and deliver a superior aircraft.”
— Natilus Press Statement
Natilus is pursuing a “Cargo First” strategy, intending to certify and fly uncrewed cargo aircraft to accumulate flight hours and validate safety data before introducing passenger services. The immediate focus of the Series A funding is the Kona, a regional cargo UAV designed to carry 3.8 tons of freight. The aircraft is engineered as a short-haul feeder capable of landing on unpaved runways, such as gravel or dirt, expanding logistics access to remote areas. According to the company’s timeline, the first flight for the Kona is expected within 24 months, targeting late 2027 or early 2028.
Following the cargo implementation, Natilus plans to launch the Horizon Evo, a passenger aircraft capable of seating 200+ travelers. This model is positioned as a direct competitor to the Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A321neo.
Recent design updates to the Horizon Evo include a transition to a dual-deck configuration. The company states this pivot was driven by feedback from the FAA and airline customers to improve emergency egress paths and certifiability. The new layout places cargo on the lower deck and passengers on the upper deck, offering a more traditional window experience for travelers. Service entry for the Horizon Evo is targeted for the early 2030s.
To bolster its certification and manufacturing capabilities, Natilus has appointed Kory Mathews to its Board of Directors. Mathews is a former Vice President of Phantom Works and VP/Chief Engineer of Boeing Military Aircraft. His background in rapid prototyping and military certification is expected to guide Natilus through the complex regulatory landscape.
The aerospace sector is currently facing a projected shortfall of over 15,000 aircraft in the next two decades. While established giants like Boeing and Airbus struggle with production constraints, new entrants like Natilus and its primary competitor, JetZero, are racing to fill the gap with more efficient designs.
We observe a distinct strategic divergence between the two main BWB contenders. While JetZero has secured significant U.S. Air Force backing to develop a large-scale demonstrator for simultaneous military and passenger use, Natilus is opting for a granular, commercial-first approach. By starting with the smaller, uncrewed Kona, Natilus may be able to de-risk the BWB airframe technology in a regulatory environment that is generally more permissive of cargo drones than passenger transport. However, the success of this strategy hinges on the company’s ability to translate uncrewed flight data into passenger certification standards by the 2030s.
Natilus Secures $28 Million Series A to Advance Blended-Wing Fleet
Investment Led by Draper Associates
The Blended-Wing Advantage
Fleet Roadmap: From Cargo to Passengers
The Kona Cargo Drone
Horizon Evo Passenger Aircraft
Strategic Leadership and Industry Context
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: Natilus
Technology & Innovation
Palantir and Airbus Extend Skywise Partnership with AI and Cloud Focus
Palantir and Airbus renew their Skywise collaboration to integrate generative AI and migrate to sovereign cloud environments, supporting 50,000 users globally.
This article is based on an official press release from Palantir Technologies.
Palantir Technologies (NASDAQ: PLTR) and Airbus have announced a multi-year extension of their strategic partnership, cementing a decade-long collaboration centered on the Skywise open data platform. According to the official announcement released on February 10, 2026, the renewed agreement focuses on modernizing the aerospace sector through the integration of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and the migration to sovereign cloud environments.
The Skywise platform, which originally launched in 2017 following a collaboration that began in 2015, serves as the digital backbone for the civil aviation industry. By aggregating data from disparate sources,including in-flight engineering logs, supply chain databases, and operational sensors,the platform aims to eliminate data silos. Palantir reports that the platform currently supports over 50,000 users globally, enhancing efficiency and safety across the Airbus industrial footprint.
The extended contract introduces critical technical advancements designed to meet the evolving regulatory and operational demands of the global aerospace market. The two primary areas of focus highlighted in the press release are data sovereignty and the deployment of Large Language Models (LLMs).
A key component of the renewed agreement is the migration to sovereign cloud environments. As detailed in the company’s statement, this shift allows Airbus and its airline customers to store and process sensitive operational data within specific national borders. This capability is essential for meeting tightening “digital sovereignty” regulations in Europe and other jurisdictions, ensuring compliance with strict data governance and security standards without sacrificing the connectivity of a centralized platform.
Palantir and Airbus are also expanding the platform’s capabilities beyond traditional predictive analytics. The partnership will now incorporate “multiple LLMs” to enhance decision-making processes. These AI-enabled capabilities are intended to improve operational performance across the value chain, from manufacturing and supply chain management to maintenance and flight operations.
“The multi-year extension is a testament to the bold vision we share with Airbus,to reimagine the role of technology in civil aviation. Together, we will continue to deliver secure, AI-enabled capabilities with multiple LLMs that improve operational performance from manufacturing and supply chain to maintenance and flight operations.”
, Josh Harris, Executive Vice-President at Palantir Technologies
Since the partnership’s inception, Palantir’s team in France has worked alongside Airbus to evolve Skywise into a central tool for the aviation industry. The platform is currently utilized by a vast network of stakeholders to address complex challenges. According to the press release and supplementary market data, the platform’s reach includes:
The renewal of the Skywise contract arrives at a pivotal moment for Palantir, validating its commercial strategy beyond government contracting. Financial reports from Q4 2025 indicate that Palantir achieved a 70% year-over-year revenue increase, driven significantly by the adoption of its Artificial Intelligence Platform (AIP) in the U.S. commercial sector.
In our view, the specific emphasis on “sovereign cloud” in this agreement highlights a growing trend in industrial software: the need for “Data Sovereignty as a Service.” As European regulations regarding data privacy and national security become more stringent, global platforms like Skywise must offer localized data processing to remain viable. By securing this capability, Palantir effectively insulates its partnership with Airbus against regulatory fragmentation.
Furthermore, the move from predictive maintenance to generative AI suggests a shift in how engineers interact with data. While previous iterations of Skywise focused on flagging potential part failures, the integration of LLMs could allow operators to query technical manuals or simulate supply chain scenarios using natural language, potentially lowering the barrier to entry for complex data analysis.
Palantir and Airbus Extend Skywise Partnership with Focus on AI and Sovereign Cloud
Strategic Pillars of the Renewal
Sovereign Cloud Migration
Generative AI Integration
Operational Impact and Scale
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: Palantir
Technology & Innovation
Vertical Aerospace Partners to Launch Advanced Air Mobility in Saudi Arabia
Vertical Aerospace signs MoU with Saudi Arabia’s AHQ Group and NIDC to develop local manufacturing and infrastructure for Valo eVTOL aircraft.
Vertical Aerospace (NYSE: EVTL) has formally entered into a strategic partnership to develop a comprehensive Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) ecosystem within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. On February 10, 2026, the electric aviation manufacturer signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the AHQ Group, a prominent Saudi industrial conglomerate, and the National Industrial Development Centre (NIDC), a government body operating under the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources.
According to the company’s official announcement, the agreement focuses on localizing the manufacturing of electric aircraft, developing necessary infrastructure, and establishing a regulatory framework for commercial operations. The partners estimate that the Saudi market could eventually support the operation of more than 1,000 of Vertical’s “Valo” aircraft.
The collaboration aims to move beyond simple aircraft sales by creating a localized supply chain and operational base. The MoU outlines a multi-faceted approach to integrating electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) technology into the Kingdom’s transport network.
Under the terms of the agreement, each party brings specific expertise to the project:
In a statement regarding the partnership, Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, emphasized the strategic importance of the region:
“Saudi Arabia is one of the most strategically important future markets for Advanced Air Mobility. Signing this MoU here in Riyadh reflects the Kingdom’s ambition to build a world-class aerospace industrial capability under Vision 2030.”
The partnership centers on the deployment of the “Valo,” Vertical Aerospace’s flagship piloted eVTOL aircraft. Formerly known as the VX4, the aircraft was officially rebranded in December 2025. The Valo is designed to carry four passengers and one pilot, with a flexible configuration allowing for up to six passengers in future iterations.
According to specifications released by Vertical Aerospace, the Valo offers a range of approximately 100 miles (160 km) and top speeds of roughly 150 mph (240 km/h). Crucially for the Saudi market, the aircraft is engineered to withstand high-temperature environments up to 50°C. The company is currently targeting Type Certification with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) by 2028.
Tariq Abdel Hadi Al-Qahtani, Chairman of AHQ Group, highlighted the industrial potential of the deal:
“Advanced Air Mobility represents a new frontier for Saudi Arabia’s industrial and mobility ambitions… We see this partnership as an important step in supporting Vision 2030’s goals for diversification, innovation and high-quality job creation.”
This agreement is explicitly tied to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the national roadmap for economic diversification and reduced reliance on oil. The MoU prioritizes “manufacturing localization,” suggesting that future phases of the partnership could involve assembling aircraft or battery systems within the Kingdom. This aligns with the Saudi Green Initiative, which seeks to implement zero-emission transport solutions across the country. We observe that this move by Vertical Aerospace signals a intensifying competitive landscape for AAM in the Middle East. While the United Arab Emirates (specifically Dubai and Abu Dhabi) has aggressively courted competitors like Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation for early operational launches, Saudi Arabia appears to be focusing heavily on the industrialization aspect of the sector.
By partnering with the NIDC and a major industrial conglomerate like AHQ, Vertical Aerospace is positioning itself not just as a service provider, but as a foundational partner in Saudi Arabia’s industrial base. If the estimate of 1,000 aircraft holds true, this would represent a massive expansion of Vertical’s order book, which currently stands at approximately 1,500 pre-orders globally. However, the timeline for these deployments remains contingent on the 2028 certification target.
Vertical Aerospace Signs Tripartite MoU to Launch Advanced Air Mobility in Saudi Arabia
Establishing a Regional Ecosystem
Roles and Responsibilities
The “Valo” Aircraft and Localization
Alignment with Vision 2030
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: Vertical Aerospace
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