Windracers
Windracers is a UK-based manufacturer of autonomous cargo drones.[1] Founded in 2017, its self-flying aircraft were originally conceived to bring down the cost of delivering humanitarian aid to remote communities.[2] The long-distance unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can fly up to 1,000 km before refuelling and can be used for multiple purposes including mail delivery, defence, humanitarian aid, firefighting and academic research. They have been deployed by a number of organisations including British Antarctic Survey and Royal Navy.[2]
Aircraft[edit]
The ULTRA is a fixed-wing aircraft with a 10 m (32 ft) wingspan. It has a twin-boom configuration with a high T-tail to allow easy access to its 700-litre cargo compartment. Power comes from a pair of 627-cc four-stroke engines from Briggs & Stratton. It has been built to withstand operations in harsh environments with rugged construction. It is built from aluminium rather than composite, as it is more damage-tolerant, efficient to fabricate and low-cost.[3] Its components are designed for field repair with minimal parts.[4]
The autonomous drones can carry a load weighing 100kg up to 1,000km. They have a drop mechanism for the delivery of humanitarian aid[2]. They take off and land like an aeroplane[5]
Safety[edit]
The ULTRA operates without a remote pilot using the company’s Masterless avionics system. This includes an automated take off and landing capability. Its systems are dual or triple redundant to ensure it can fly safely in the event of a hardware or software failure.[3].
History[edit]
Founded in 2017, its self-flying aircraft were originally conceived to bring down the cost of delivering humanitarian aid to remote communities.[2]
References[edit]
- ^ Perry, Dominic (9 May 2024). "Windracers works on Ultra upgrade as Purdue partnership takes off". FlightGlobal. Retrieved 15 May 2024.
- ^ a b c d Oso Alabi, Leke (15 November 2023). "Windracers' long-distance drones ready to deliver aid to conflict zones". Financial Times. Retrieved 15 May 2024.
- ^ a b Perry, Dominic (31 October 2023). "British Antarctic Survey readies for future as it prepares for Ultra UAV trials". FlightGlobal. Retrieved 15 May 2024.
- ^ McNabb, Miriam (5 February 2024). "Windracers ULTRA Autonomous Drone Begins Tests in the Antarctic: Drones for Environmental Research in Challenging Environments". Dronelife. Retrieved 16 May 2024.
- ^ Titcomb, James (14 May 2024). "Former Royal Mail boss seeks to deliver letters by drone". Telegraph.co.uk. Retrieved 15 May 2024.