There are reports that Ameriflight, a feeder airline, is close to purchasing the right to 20 Natilus Kona cargo drones.

Supply Chain Digest Says...   Natilus’ performance numbers are still theoretical, with all of its current drone designs, for a Kona or for its larger models, are still on the drawing board.     What do you say?   Click here to send us your comments       Click here to see reader feedback

That would take the order backlog for the not yet delivered drone model to almost $7 billion.

Natilus says the design of its vehicle allows it to carry far more cargo than a traditional aircraft of the same dimensions.

The company says its Kona model can carry 4.3 metric tons for more than 900 nautical miles.

Natilus says that no pilot is required, and that there is no need to pressurize the interior. It adds that the aircraft’s unique shape could reduce its carbon emissions by as much as 50% versus a manned flight with similar cargo.

All that said, the Loadstar.com web site reports that Natilus’ performance numbers are still theoretical, with all of its current drone designs, for a Kona or for its larger models, are still on the drawing board.

In November, Natilus announced a prototyping partnership with Janicki Industries in Washington. But it is unclear that a prototype has been made as a result.

Natilus says the Kona is scheduled to fly in 2024.

The Loadststar also reports that air cargo maker Dronamics has working prototypes and is claiming less aggressive performance targets, specifically a 350-kilogram payload carried over 2,500 kilometers.

Drone builder Quickstep recently announced it had signed a deal with Dronomics and an air cargo airline for three aircraft drones by October this year and seven more by July of next year.

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Quickstep said the anticipated value of the deal “is likely to be in the range of $4.5 to $5.5 million” and predicts agreements for thousands more aircraft will begin soon.

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