Aviation News – British drone manufacturer Windracers has announced that its heavy-lift ULTRA unmanned aircraft can now fly up to 2,000km while carrying a 200kg payload, significantly extending its operational reach. The milestone strengthens the aircraft’s role across defence, humanitarian, research, and civil cargo missions.
The announcement was made at the Windracers LAUNCH 2026 event in central London, where CEO Simon Muderack outlined the company’s latest configuration for the dual-use platform. Founder and Chairman Stephen Wright said demand for ULTRA is rising, with multiple defence and civil operations scheduled to begin later this month, reflecting growing confidence from government and commercial customers.
ULTRA’s extended range allows operators to transport substantial cargo over long distances in a single flight, comparable to the distance between London and Marrakesh. This bolt-on capability reduces reliance on traditional airlift, improves logistics efficiency in remote regions, and enables persistent operations without the need for frequent refuelling or infrastructure support.
