Radia expands WindRunner supply network
US aerospace firm Radia has named five new international suppliers as it moves forward with development of its WindRunner aircraft, a next-generation cargo platform set to transform the movement of outsized freight.
The new suppliers – Aciturri Aeronáutica, Akaer Engenharia, Astronautics Corporation of America, Element Digital Engineering, and Ingenium Technologies – bring systems expertise and expand Radia’s network of partners.
Their addition strengthens Radia’s supplier base, which already includes firms such as Leonardo, Aernnova, MAGROUP Magnaghi Aerospace, and AFuzion.
Radia CEO and founder Mark Lundstrom said: “WindRunner is more than an aircraft; it’s a global response to one of the most pressing logistics problems of our time. These new partners bring not only deep aerospace expertise but also a shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and transatlantic collaboration. Together, we are building the logistical backbone for next-generation energy, defense, and aerospace applications.”
Spain’s Aciturri Aeronáutica will take the lead on developing the composite tail structure for the WindRunner, with future production planned in Europe.
“The scale and ambition of WindRunner is unlike anything in modern aviation,” said Aciturri CEO María Eugenia Clemente. “We are proud to bring our aerostructures knowledge and expertise to this transformational platform and to play a role in redefining what is possible in cargo aviation.”
Brazilian aerospace firm Akaer Engenharia is tasked with developing the aircraft’s pressurised cabin and managing systems integration across key areas.
“It is an honour to contribute to a project that will redefine the future of global aviation. The development of the WindRunner is challenging and Akaer’s role in it reflects the trust earned through decades of excellence, innovation, and proven expertise,” said Cesar Silva, CEO of Akaer.
Wisconsin-based Astronautics Corporation of America has been selected to develop and integrate the WindRunner’s avionics.
“Astronautics is honoured to support a programme that brings cutting-edge avionics and cybersecurity to a first-of-its-kind aircraft,” said Robert Atac, President of Astronautics. “We see WindRunner as a platform that will reshape expectations in global aerospace logistics.”
Element Digital Engineering, part of Element Materials Technology and based in the UK, will support fuel system design and integration.
“Element is thrilled to contribute critical systems engineering to a platform designed to solve real-world energy and mobility challenges,” said Lee Brough, Vice President Aerospace and Defense EMEA. “This partnership exemplifies our commitment to high-impact, technically rigorous aerospace programmes.”
Illinois-based engineering firm Ingenium Technologies will develop the aircraft’s high-lift control system.
“WindRunner is an incredible aircraft that represents the future of strategic logistics,” said Paul Wild, Co-Founder of Ingenium Technologies. “We’re very excited to apply our experience in aircraft systems to help enable this breakthrough in cargo transport.”
Radia’s WindRunner is being pitched as a platform capable of carrying ultra-large cargo – from massive wind turbine blades to space launch hardware – to remote destinations via unpaved runways as short as 1,800 metres. The aircraft boasts an 80-tonne payload and a cargo hold measuring 7,700 cubic metres, making it the largest aircraft by volume ever developed.
Targeting sectors such as renewable energy, defence, space, and humanitarian response, Radia claims the WindRunner could unlock new possibilities for global supply chains by bypassing traditional transport limitations.
The firm plans to unveil additional suppliers and final assembly partners as the programme continues to ramp up. With its first public appearance at the Paris Air Show just ahead, Radia is positioning the WindRunner not just as an aircraft, but as the centrepiece of a broader vision for the future of heavy logistics.
