SOURCE: AFI
The Colorado-based company Radia, known for its ambitious plan to construct the largest-ever fixed-wing aircraft, is now turning its attention to India as a potential hub for suppliers in its WindRunner program. Initially envisioned as a purpose-built solution for transporting wind turbine blades, Radia is expanding the aircraft’s scope to include commercial cargo and military logistics applications.
The conceptual WindRunner, a four-engined behemoth with a nose-to-tail length of 108 meters (356 feet) and a maximum payload of 72,575 kg (160,000 lbs), is designed to operate on dirt runways, leveraging its massive straight wing for relatively short take-off and landing capabilities.
This strategic outreach to India reflects Radia’s intent to tap into the country’s growing aerospace manufacturing ecosystem. The company is in discussions with several Indian firms, though it has refrained from disclosing their identities, hinting at an official announcement at a later date. This cautious approach suggests a deliberate effort to finalize partnerships that align with the program’s ambitious goals. Radia’s focus on India could signal a move toward leveraging the nation’s cost-effective manufacturing capabilities and skilled workforce, potentially fostering technology transfer or joint ventures.
The WindRunner’s design features an aluminum fuselage for straightforward manufacturing and repair, paired with carbon composite materials for its wings and empennage, balancing durability with lightweight efficiency. This construction choice, inspired by proven aviation designs, aims to ensure the aircraft’s adaptability to challenging environments, such as semi-prepared runways. With a projected entry into service by the end of the decade, the aircraft’s ability to carry oversized cargo—up to 105 meters in length—positions it as a game-changer for both renewable energy logistics and military transport.
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