Radia's WindRunner Revolutionizes Wind Turbine Blade Transport
Radia, an innovative aerospace company, has developed the WindRunner, a unique aircraft designed to transport large wind turbine blades. With its distinctive H-tail design, the WindRunner can fit within existing airport infrastructure, making it a practical solution for the wind energy industry.
The WindRunner boasts an impressive size, measuring 108 meters (354 feet) in length and 80 meters (262 feet) in wingspan. Its payload capacity of 72.6 tonnes is sufficient for carrying a single 105-meter blade or a pair of 90-meter blades within its fuselage. The aircraft's cockpit, located on top in a bulge, gives it a unique appearance and ensures excellent visibility for the pilots.
The WindRunner is designed for short-runway and rough-field capabilities, with a takeoff and landing distance of just 1,800 meters (6000 feet). This makes it ideal for operating in various conditions and locations. Its primary mission is to transport large wind turbine blades, potentially qualifying it as a specialized 'hack' in the industry.
The WindRunner, developed by Radia under the leadership of founder Mark Lundstrom, is set to revolutionize the transportation of large wind turbine blades. With its innovative design, practical size, and efficient payload capacity, the WindRunner is poised to play a significant role in the growth of the wind energy sector.