The U.S. Department of Defense has launched a strategic partnership with Colorado-based technology company Radia to develop the world’s largest cargo aircraft. The massive aircraft, named WindRunner, is being designed to have 12 times the cargo volume of a Boeing 747.
According to New Scientist, WindRunner was initially developed to support wind energy projects in the U.S., but it is now under evaluation for military and humanitarian operations as well. The Department of Defense has reached an agreement with Radia to analyse whether the giant platform can meet a range of logistical needs.
Twelve Times Bigger Than a Boeing 747: WindRunner’s Stunning Specs
WindRunner’s design targets include a length of 108 metres, a wingspan of 80 metres, and a maximum payload capacity of 72,575 kilograms. These dimensions give it the potential to become not only the largest cargo aircraft in the U.S., but also the largest in the world.
Kenneth Bibb, Radia’s Vice President of Defence Programs, highlighted the aircraft’s versatile operational capabilities:
“Thanks to its ability to land on short and unpaved runways, WindRunner can provide operational flexibility during natural disasters, humanitarian crises, and in conflict zones.”
Capable of Carrying an F-16
The U.S. military is currently evaluating whether WindRunner can carry not only large civilian loads like turbine blades but also heavy military cargo such as F-16 fighter jets. In this context, various tests and analyses are being conducted to assess the performance of the Radia-developed platform under different operational scenarios.
Mark Lundstrom, founder and CEO of Radia, made the following statement:
“WindRunner has the ability to deliver the world’s largest payloads to the world’s most difficult-to-reach locations. This partnership showcases how commercial aviation technology can be integrated into military applications and highlights its potential contributions to national defence.”
No Direct Funding Yet from the U.S. Military
Although a technical collaboration with Radia is underway, the U.S. military has not yet provided direct funding for the development of WindRunner. However, the project is considered a strong candidate to play a key role in the Department of Defense’s future strategic logistics plans.
