Windracers, a leader in low-cost logistics, has unveiled its next-generation self-flying cargo aircraft, the Windracers ULTRA MK2, at the ME London hotel in Central London. This new version of the cargo drone delivers double the power output of its predecessor, a 50% increase in useful payload, and a notable reduction in fuel costs, reinforcing its position as the top choice for low-cost middle-mile logistics.
Originally designed to reduce the cost of delivering humanitarian aid to remote areas, the Windracers ULTRA is a UK-designed and manufactured heavy-lift, long-distance cargo drone. It is currently operational in Ukraine, the UK, and the US, helping organizations quickly, safely, and cost-effectively transport significant payloads to hard-to-reach locations.
Stephen Wright, Founder and Group Executive Chairman of Windracers, commented, “The launch of the ULTRA MK2 demonstrates how quickly Windracers has evolved from concept to a commercial entity meeting customer needs today. I’m incredibly proud of the team’s work in bringing the ULTRA MK2 to market in such a short time, and excited for the operational impact it will have on our customers worldwide.”
Simon Thompson, Group CEO of Windracers, added, “Our goal is to reduce costs for end users, and with the ULTRA MK2, we’ve halved the operational fuel cost per kilogram. We’re committed to finding even more efficiencies to benefit our customers.”
The event also featured insights from two ULTRA MK2 customers: Rune Storvold of NORCE, who explained how the drone will carry radar systems to monitor Antarctic climate changes, and Benoit Gaborit of Aviation Sans Frontieres, who shared how the ULTRA MK2 will integrate a heavy-lift, long-range drone into humanitarian aid efforts in rapidly changing environments.
The Windracers ULTRA MK2 can operate autonomously, taking off, flying, and landing without the need for a remote pilot, even in challenging conditions like fog. Its Windracers Autopilot™ system ensures safe, reliable flights, while the intuitive Windracers Mission Control™ system simplifies route planning and monitoring.
With its 10-meter wingspan and two 50 hp Hirth F23 engines, the ULTRA MK2 offers double the power of its predecessor and a 150kg payload capacity. The platform is versatile, with applications across various sectors, including mail & parcel delivery, humanitarian aid, defense, medical, and environmental protection. Trusted by organizations like the British Antarctic Survey, Royal Mail, and the UK Ministry of Defence, Windracers has completed hundreds of thousands of kilometers in autonomous flights, including supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine since 2023.
The launch of the ULTRA MK2 comes at a time when governments, regulators, and logistics companies are increasingly acknowledging the shift toward autonomous flight, with the UK Government recently launching a Regulatory Innovation Office to accelerate access to new technologies, including cargo drones.