Windracers confirms extended capability for heavy-lift drone already operating in Ukraine, Alaska and polar regions
British cargo unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) manufacturer Windracers has announced its ULTRA drone can now fly up to 2,000 km in a single flight.
Windracers chief executive Simon Muderack announced at a launch event in London that the ULTRA drone can now be configured to fly up to 2,000 km and will soon be able to carry a 200 kg payload.
Founder and chairman Stephen Wright also highlighted the growing demand for the ULTRA drone and said defence, humanitarian, research and civil air cargo missions are scheduled to begin later this month.
The event showcased autonomous aviation technology developed and advanced by Windracers, including a demonstration of a fully autonomous flight mission at Llanbedr Airfield in North Wales.
Windracers head of engineering Konstantinos Kontogiannis confirmed the UAS can already carry more than 100 kg over 2,000 km and will soon be capable of carrying 200 kg over the same distance.
Head of manufacturing Joe Roberts detailed how Windracers is scaling its manufacturing facilities and processes to build hundreds of ULTRA drones over the next two years.
Windracers ULTRA is already in active operation in challenging environments, including Ukraine, Alaska, Central Africa and the polar regions.
Muderack said: "Windracers focus has always been on making sure every project is executed efficiently and with purpose.
“What we’re achieving with Windracers ULTRA is not just about the technology itself, but how it fits into wider operations and strategy to deliver missions that have a positive outcome on the ground."
Last year, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) approved Windracers to conduct the UK’s first civil unmanned aerial system (UAS) international operation.
