Windracers completes successful Orkney trial of self-flying cargo aircraft

28/08/2024

Windracers, the company behind the affordable self-flying cargo aircraft known as the ULTRA™, is about to wrap up a trial of its cargo service in Orkney this week.

This trial aims to provide faster, more convenient, and reliable delivery services to the residents and businesses on these remote islands.

Over the past nine weeks, Windracers has been operating a scheduled service using its ULTRA self-flying cargo aircraft. This aircraft is a sturdy, twin-engine fixed-wing model with a wingspan of 10 meters, capable of flying autonomously between the islands of Eday, Westray, and North Ronaldsay in Orkney.

This is Windracers’ second trial as part of the Sustainable Aviation Test Environment (SATE) program.

The trial is partially funded by the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Future Flight challenge, which is managed by Innovate UK and the Economic and Social Research Council.

Simon Muderack, ceo at Windracers said:“This 9-week continuous trial is an important step in making self-flying cargo aircraft a reality and giving people in remote locations access to the things they need, when they need them.”

“We’re delighted to be operating in Orkney and working with our partners, SATE and UKRI, which share our vision for a universal and sustainable next day delivery service in the region.”

In contrast to the previous trial, which was conducted over a shorter period, the recent nine-week trial has advanced Windracers’ technology significantly closer to commercial use.

During this time, the aircraft has demonstrated various applications, such as delivering logistics, water samples, shellfish, sea produce, and locally produced goods.

The ULTRA aircraft’s substantial cargo capacity of 700 liters, a useful payload capacity of up to 100 kilograms, and a range of up to 600 kilometers make it ideal for delivering to remote communities with limited infrastructure.

This capability has been further validated by its recent successful operations between Orkney’s Northern Isles.

Jayne Golding, SATE manager at HITRANS added: “We’re delighted to reach this milestone with Windracers to trial the ULTRA in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.

“These trials are essential for the programme and for our technical partners, demonstrating capabilities and indeed the opportunities.

“We look forward to engaging the community and wider stakeholders in the activity.”

Windracers has integrated its flight schedule with the existing logistics network to see what might be a reality.

Streamline Shipping Group, which handles 90% of last-mile deliveries to the Scottish islands of Orkney and Shetland, has used its electric van as part of the sustainable transport journey.

Will Rodger, service manager at Streamline Shipping Group, said: “As part of our path to net zero, we are running several trials including drone-based deliveries, unmanned seafaring vessels, and hydrogen HGVs.

“Drones present an opportunity to make more regular deliveries to and collections of locally-produced goods from the island communities we have supported for over 40 years – potentially increasing twice-weekly routes to become daily, which would have a massive impact on residents and businesses.”

As well as flying across the Orkney Isles during July and August, Windracers is planning further trials later in the year that will see it operating between Orkney and Shetland.

Use cases are being developed which will again provide insight into how the technology can improve connectivity to and from the islands and any wider impact.

A stakeholder event will be held on 10 September in Kirkwall where there will be more technical presentations, a chance to see the aircraft up close and wider information about SATE’s programme.

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