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natilus

Boeing unveils prototype pilotless aircraft for carrying cargo

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Boeing has unveiled a pilotless or unmanned aerial vehicle which can take off and land vertically, and carry up to 500 pounds.

Boeing says the prototype “multi-copter” UAV is part of its plans to “further develop and mature the building blocks of autonomy and electric propulsion”.

The new unmanned electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing (eVTOL) cargo air vehicle (CAV) prototype will be used to test and evolve Boeing’s autonomy technology for future aerospace vehicles.  [Read more…] about Boeing unveils prototype pilotless aircraft for carrying cargo

Natilus raises new funds to launch pilotless freight aircraft

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Natilus, a manufacturer of large aircraft drones, has closed a second round of seed funding with investment from Starburst Ventures, Seraph Group, Gelt VC, Outpost Capital and Draper Associates.

The funds – the amount was not disclosed – will go toward what the company calls its “aggressive scaling strategy”, with the first Federal Aviation Administration-approved flight for its 30-foot prototype scheduled for late 2017, and a commercial market launch in 2020.

Just as the long-haul freight sector has made huge strides in efficiency gains and cost reduction due to technology innovation, Natilus says the $15.5 trillion global freight market is poised for disruption as it strives to offer customers more cost-effective delivery solutions beyond the decades-old vessels and aircraft which serve as its primary sources of transport.  [Read more…] about Natilus raises new funds to launch pilotless freight aircraft