Windracers has showcased its ULTRA autonomous aircraft at the UK Parliament following an invitation from the Ministry of Defence, the organisation stated.
According to Windracers, the appearance in Speaker’s Court allowed ministers, parliamentarians and officials to examine the platform and discuss the role of autonomous aviation in supporting Ukraine. The company says it has been delivering ULTRA aircraft to Ukraine since 2023, with further units supplied in recent weeks. The Ministry of Defence framed the event as an opportunity to underline the value of domestic technology within current European security efforts.
Windracers describes ULTRA as a dual use heavy lift uncrewed aircraft capable of transporting cargo, carrying surveillance equipment and conducting targeted airdrops in difficult environments. The company lists a range of civil and defence oriented projects in which the aircraft is involved, including cooperation with the Ministry of Defence, UK Research and Innovation, the British Antarctic Survey, NORCE and the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Several senior figures quoted in the press release pointed to the platform’s stated contributions to Ukraine. Minister for the Armed Forces Al Carns MP said in the release
“Logistics, adaptation, and innovation help secure the winning edge on any battlefield. With a 1000km range and 150kg payload the Windracers ULTRA drone is making a difference on the battlefield in the hands of those defending European security in Ukraine.” He added that the UK has invested heavily in supplying drones to Ukraine this year.
Shadow Secretary of State for Defence James Cartlidge MP, who co-sponsored the event, stated in the release, “We have a real opportunity for our own sovereign industrial base with UK SMEs such as Windracers producing cutting-edge uncrewed capabilities for use in Ukraine.”
Windracers CEO Simon Muderack said in the release that the setting highlighted the importance the company places on domestic industrial capability. He stated “This platform is more than an engineering achievement; it is a practical tool making a real difference on the ground in Ukraine.”
Local MP Paul Holmes, whose constituency includes the company’s headquarters, was also quoted. “Windracers do remarkable work to strengthen the UK’s sovereign capabilities. Their outstanding drone technology is advancing the UK’s defence aviation and it’s great to see their achievements being recognised.”
Windracers notes that it was recently identified by the UK Government and NATO as a trusted supplier within a broader programme that has delivered tens of thousands of drones to Ukraine.
Windracers’ website say that ULTRA has been used both for ISTAR and for making parachute resupply drops to stranded troops in Ukraine.
150kg payload is nothing to be sniffed at, though I’m not sure what its rough field capacity is like.