US aerospace manufacturer Natilus has unveiled a double-decker version of its Horizon blended-wing aircraft that it claims will enter commercial service in the early 2030s.
The Horizon Evo will have a triangular shape when viewed from above, which the firm has claimed will boost passenger capacity by around 30% while making it 25% lighter than aircraft such as the Boeing 737 Max and Airbus A320.
Able to hold around 200 passengers, it is also supposed to be quieter than traditional jets while flying at speeds of around Mach 0.8, and will be fully compatible with standard airport infrastructure.
The latest version will have a spacious upper deck cabin for passengers, as well as a lower deck for standard cargo containers. Other improvements include pressurisation advances for passenger comfort, better access to emergency exit paths, more bag storage, and multiple aisles in premium and economy cabins to speed up boarding.
“In our ongoing conversations with the [Federal Aviation Administration...