Defence in brief: Radia and US DoD to assess WindRunner for logistics

Radia and the US DoD have entered into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) to assess the utility of Radia’s WindRunner aircraft for civil-military oversized cargo operations, according to an 8th May press release. With a length of 109 metres and a wingspan of 80 metres, the WindRunner is expected to provide a cargo volume twelve times that of a 747 as well as the ability to land on short, unpaved runways.

The CRADA, a partnership with US Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), will examine the feasibility and effectiveness of the WindRunner as a commercial option for DoD logistics, potentially within the Civil Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF). The agreement allows for the evaluation of the aircraft’s capabilities in moving critical military cargo and serving the wider oversized cargo market.

Key research areas include:

• Cargo capacity and handling of various DoD cargo types.
• Ground operations, airfield suitability, and necessary infrastructure.
• Operational planning and aircraft performance in different scenarios.
• Integration with existing DoD logistics networks.

The CRADA facilitates joint research, data sharing, and collaboration between Radia and DoD experts. The research findings will inform future strategy and operational planning for dual-use airlift capabilities. The WindRunner is designed for transporting large cargo to locations with limited infrastructure, serving sectors including clean energy and emergency response. WindRunner is being developed to facilitate the transport of wind farm components like turbine blades.

Calibre comment

The US DoD is grappling with the challenge of operating at extreme distances in the Indo-Pacific as well as supporting its forces deployed around the world. This requires a constant supply of logistics and equipment that often relies on large aircraft to move it around. A larger aircraft would, in theory, be able to carry more and could move more with fewer flights or potentially carry larger cargo. However, they would also be a potential target for an adversary, likely creating a very significant radar cross section. 

By Sam Cranny-Evans, published on 9th May, 2025.