Radia is developing the WindRunner, the world’s largest wind turbine transport aircraft ever built. Designed specifically for transporting the largest wind turbine blades, this innovative solution will enable the expansion of wind farms into previously inaccessible locations.
WindRunner: The biggest plane in the world
WindRunner is an aircraft capable of transporting blades over 100 meters long directly to wind farms. With an unprecedented cargo hold and the ability to land on semi-prepared runways, this aircraft represents a crucial advancement in the renewable energy industry. Its features include:
- Length: 108 meters
- Wingspan: 80 meters
- Load capacity: 72.5 tons
- Cruising altitude: 41,000 feet
- Autonomy: 2,000 km with full charge
The demand for clean energy continues to rise and with it, the need for larger wind turbines. However, transporting these giants by road is a tremendous logistical challenge. The company explains that current roads can barely support blades of 70 metres, while future generations will exceed 100 metres.
How is the construction of the plane going?
In November 2024, Radia announced a partnership with MAGROUP Magnaghi Aerospace, an Italian company specializing in aerospace landing systems. Magnaghi will develop WindRunner’s landing gear, ensuring the aircraft can operate in unconventional terrain and improvised airfields close to wind farms .
Furthermore, the collaboration with other companies such as Leonardo Aerospace for the development of the fuselage reinforces the viability of the project and its capacity to become a pillar of the global energy transition.
Radia founder and CEO Mark Lundstrom highlighted the importance of the project:
Magnaghi is a first-class supplier and we are delighted to welcome them to our team. The company shares our business vision and will be instrumental in the success of WindRunner.
Gigawind: larger and more efficient wind turbines
WindRunner is a key part of the Gigawind concept, Radia’s initiative to install larger and more efficient land-based wind turbines in strategic locations. Thanks to this aircraft, the dependence on fossil fuels can be reduced.
Radia has been recognized as a Global Unicorn by the World Economic Forum, establishing itself as one of the most innovative startups in the field of clean energy. With this colossal aircraft, the company seeks to solve a logistical problem and redefine the way the world accesses renewable energy.
In the following video you can learn more details about the project.
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Source and photos: Radia
