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Windracers launches new self-flying cargo aircraft
Self-flying aircraft and avionics manufacturer Windracer has launched its new ULTRA MK2 model which it says brings more power, payload, fuel economy and ease of use to this growing sector of aviation logistics.
Offering a take-off to delivery range of 100kilometres, the Windracers ULTRA aircraft - originally conceived to bring down the cost of delivering humanitarian aid to remote communities - is designed and manufactured in the UK and, the company claims, is the most accomplished low-cost heavy lift, long-distance cargo drone available today.
Simon Muderack, CEO of Windracers said: “Windracers ULTRA is extremely fuel efficient and has a very low carbon footprint. Our ultimate goal is to provide a regular, reliable and low-cost cargo delivery service that is transformative to remote communities but has little to no impact on the environment both in terms of air quality and wildlife."
The British Antarctic Survey commented: "While the traditional Twin Otters (short take-off and landing utility aircraft) operate under an intense logistics and science regime during the field season, the drones could enable dramatic increases in flight time and geographic coverage while yielding a reduction in CO2 emissions per flight hour of around 90%."
The Windracers ULTRA MK2 launch in London, January 2025
The 10mwingspan ULTRA MK2 features two 50 hp Hirth F23 engines, doubling the power output of its predecessor. ULTRA MK2 provides a significantly enhanced useful payload of 150kg while halving fuel costs per kg. Windracers ULTRA is operational today in Ukraine, the United Kingdom and the United States, enabling organisations to transport meaningful payloads to hard-to-reach places quickly, safely and cost-effectively.
“The launch of ULTRA MK2 is proof that Windracers has moved rapidly from an idea to a commercial organisation that is meeting the needs of customers today,” commented Founder and Group Executive Chairman Stephen Wright.
“The Windracers team has performed phenomenally to bring ULTRA MK2 to market in a very short time period and for ULTRA development over the last eight years. I know the team shares my excitement as we see the operational impact of ULTRA MK2 for our customers to help people around the world.”
Group CEO Simon Thompson adds: “From eliminating the need for a pilot, to developing a multi-mission platform that is dependable and easy to use and maintain, our ultimate goal is to bring down the cost for the end user.
“In ULTRA MK2, we have halved our operational fuel cost per kilogramme, and we will find even more efficiency in the future for our customers.”
With notable achievements such as the first BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) autonomous drone flight in the UK, and holding more BVLOS permissions than any other operator, Windracers is a leading light in autonomous drone solutions for middle-mile logistics.
Windracers has completed flight trials in remote locations such as Antarctica, the Scilly Isles, Orkney and Shetland Islands, and also worked with organisations including the MOD, British Antarctic Survey and Royal Mail, and received grant funding from the UK Government.
Ellis Shelton, Logistics UK’s Senior Policy Advisor said: “Windracers’ innovative ULTRA MK2 aircraft represents a significant step forward in autonomous aviation logistics, offering a compelling solution to the challenges of delivering goods to remote and hard-to-reach locations.
“By enabling cost-effective and reliable middle-mile deliveries, this technology has the potential to revolutionise supply chains and support businesses in meeting the demands of a rapidly evolving global market.”
The new ULTRA MK2 can take-off, fly and land safely without the need for a remote pilot and with minimal ground operator oversight, whether in the daytime, at night or in fog. ULTRA MK2 is controlled by its proprietary autopilot system, Windracers Autopilot™, a multi-layered flight control system that is robust against flight control unit failures and sensor failures.
ULTRA MK2 includes Windracers Mission Control™, a route planning and aircraft monitoring system with an intuitive interface that requires minimal training.
The launch of the ULTRA MK2 comes as governments, regulators and logistics companies increasingly recognise the inevitable transition to autonomous flight. The UK Government recently announced a Regulatory Innovation Office to speed up access to new technologies including cargo drones.
Published On: 03/03/2025 12:35:01
