An US startup named Natilus is now testing a new seaplane concept that could evolve into huge cargo UAVs that fly freight across the Pacific, touch down autonomously over water, and unload at ports around the world. These early remote-controlled flight tests could lead to semiautonomous and then fully autonomous flights in which the UAV autopilot navigates over a route of waypoints set by a human controller.
By removing human pilots, Natilus wants to create a streamlined aircraft with just a single engine and more room for jet fuel or cargo. One potential market for cargo UAVs could be in servicing midsize cities in regions such as China and Africa that lack major airport infrastructure but want to ship goods to international markets.
