This article is based on an official press release from Windracers.

Windracers Unveils ULTRA Mk2: A Heavy-Lift Drones with 2,000km Range

Windracers has officially launched the ULTRA Mk2, the second generation of its flagship autonomous cargo aircraft. Announced at the “Windracers LAUNCH 2026” event in London on January 15, the new platform represents a significant leap in performance, doubling the range of its predecessor to 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles). According to the company, this range capability places the ULTRA Mk2 in a select tier of “middle-mile” logistics drones capable of cross-continental flights.

The Southampton-based manufacturer positions the aircraft as a rugged, cost-effective solution for defense, humanitarian aid, and commercial logistics. The platform has already been flight-verified carrying a 100kg payload over the 2,000km distance, roughly equivalent to a flight from London to Marrakesh. A configuration designed to carry 200kg over the same distance is currently in development.

Technical Evolution: From Prototype to Production

The transition from the Mk1 to the Mk2 involves substantial hardware upgrades aimed at mass production and reliability. The most critical enhancement, according to technical specifications released by Windracers, is the propulsion system. The aircraft has moved from industrial engines to aviation-grade propulsion.

Propulsion and Aerodynamics

The ULTRA Mk2 replaces the previous Briggs & Stratton engines with two German-made Hirth F23 two-stroke engines. This upgrade doubles the power output from approximately 25hp to 50hp per engine. Consequently, the Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) has increased to 510kg, allowing for heavier fuel and cargo loads.

Aerodynamically, the airframe retains its 10-meter wingspan and twin-boom fuselage but introduces a new inverted V-tail design. Windracers states that this design change reduces drag and part count, contributing to the platform’s improved fuel efficiency.

Payload Capabilities

While the aircraft maintains a “drop-floor” bay for precise parachute deliveries, a feature utilized in military and humanitarian scenarios, the payload capacity has seen a marked increase. The Mk2 offers a nominal payload of 150kg, with a maximum capacity of up to 200kg.

“With its combination of heavy-lift capability and 2,000km range now in development, Windracers ULTRA sits among a select group of long-endurance UAS that are redefining what is possible in both civil and defence operations.”

, Stephen Wright, Founder and Chairman of Windracers

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Operational History and Strategic Use Cases

Unlike many conceptual drones in the logistics sector, the Windracers platform has logged significant real-world flight hours. The company describes the aircraft as the “Jeep of the skies,” prioritizing utility and ruggedness over speed or luxury.

The platform is currently active in several high-stakes environments:

• Defense: The system is operational in Ukraine, providing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and logistics support. It is also used by the Royal Navy and British Army for resupply in contested environments.
• Scientific Research: The British Antarctic Survey utilizes the drone for environmental data collection in extreme polar conditions.
• Humanitarian Aid: The aircraft is designed to deliver aid to remote regions, such as South Sudan, where ground infrastructure is lacking.

AirPro News Analysis

The introduction of the ULTRA Mk2 significantly alters the competitive landscape for middle-mile cargo drones. By achieving a 2,000km range, Windracers moves closer to the capabilities of the Dronamics “Black Swan,” which boasts a range of approximately 2,500km. However, the two platforms serve slightly different niches.

While the Black Swan is larger with a 350kg payload, Windracers emphasizes a “low-cost” and “rugged” philosophy suitable for austere environments with poor runway quality. This contrasts with VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) competitors like the Elroy Air “Chaparral,” which requires no runway but is limited to a much shorter range of roughly 480km. Windracers appears to be betting that the trade-off of requiring a short runway (STOL) is worth the four-fold increase in range for cross-border and maritime operations.

Furthermore, the explicit mention of “sovereign capability” by UK officials suggests that Windracers is securing a foothold as a strategic national asset, insulating it somewhat from the purely commercial pressures faced by other drone logistics startups.

Future Developments

Windracers has indicated that the high-capacity configuration, capable of hauling 200kg over the full 2,000km range, is expected to be available in the coming months. The avionics system remains “masterless,” meaning the aircraft operates autonomously without the need for a remote pilot, a key factor in reducing operational costs for large-scale logistics networks.

Sources

• Windracers