At the Paris Air Show, Aviation Frontier shared details about their new humanitarian partnership with Windracer. Under the partnership, Windracers Ultra, a heavy lift drone, provides important mediacal products to some of Africa's most isolated communities.
“The project represents a potential turning point for humanitarian logistics in Africa,” said Stephane Blandino, project manager for Aviation SANS Frontières. “We are developing solutions that are innovative and based on field reality, which are sustainable, scalable and adaptable to the needs of the most remote communities.
“It's about making healthcare accessible regardless of distance.”
At the heart of this project is a flight vehicle with a rather odd look, with double propellers, with reverse V tails and thick, sturdy tires. That's the name Windracers Ultra Mk2Self-flight cargo UAVs have proven their value in the most extreme environments around the world.
What is Windracers Ultra?
The Ultra MK2 is the world's most accomplished long distance, heavy UAV. Built in Southampton, England, it can carry loads of up to 1,000 km (620 miles) of 150 kg (330 pounds), allowing it to land and take off like an aircraft, or drop cargo from above.
With a wingspan of just 10 meters, the UAV is smaller than most GA aircraft, but is fully loaded. The ADSB, Mode S features ADSB, Mode S, along with the system and its own remote-operated “mission control” system, as well as its own autopilot software. The whole thing is packed and can be transported in a standard size van to activate the location.
“We designed a transit van that can fly,” Windracers tells AGN on the Paris Air Show. “Tell me what you want to do with that, we'll make it work.”
The projects Ultra has been involved in so far are broad. Founded in 2017, the MK1 aircraft made its first flight in late 2020, carrying medical supplies from Cornwall to Syrie.
Since then, Royal Mail has used it to deliver to remote islands in Scotland. The Royal Navy is testing aircraft from sea airlines. Antarctic surveys use it Map parts of Antarctica that are out of reach of researchers.
With a lot of data under their belt, Windracers began tweaking and optimizing the characteristics of the UAV. Ultra MK2 release in January 2025.
The MK2 doubles the power of the previous generation, with a 50% increase in usable payload and fuel combustion. That thick tire means you can land and take off from the most rugged surfaces, and Briggs & Stratton's 627cc four-stroke engine pair is simple enough to be repaired on the spot with limited tools and expertise.
However, Winrdacers Ultra has not yet completed its original design mission. The concept of aircraft has always been to play a role in delivering essential supplies, aid, medicines and cargo to African communities. Now, through a partnership with the Frontiers of Aviation, we are ready to realize that fate.
Windracers Ultra Activity in Africa
The first business in Africa will focus on the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the delivery of temperature-sensitive medical supplies, such as vaccines.
“By integrating local training, regulatory compliance and environmental sustainability, Aviation aims to be the Frontières – Windracers partnership. “This innovation provides a path to providing a more efficient, greener and more equitable aid.”
One Windracers Ultra MK2 will be deployed in the project and operations will begin in October 2025. This proof-of-concept work will help unlock Windracers' ambitions to become a valuable part of Africa's humanitarian logistics outlook.
To support the project, Windracers is establishing a permanent operating base at Kasungu Airfield in the central region of Malawi. The company hopes to work closely with the Malawi Civil Aviation Authority to develop autonomous logistics assistance and create local jobs through domestic work.
Regarding the regulatory environment, the company says countries present their own challenges and opportunities. Through continued close cooperation with aviation authorities and the formation of local partnerships, Windracers hopes to shape the global framework of the humanitarian missions implemented by UAV.
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