WindRunner: World’s Largest Aircraft Set for Debut at Paris Air Show

The massive cargo aircraft WindRunner, first unveiled last year and designed specifically to transport the enormous blades of onshore wind turbines, is back in the spotlight with new industry partners. Developer Radia is preparing to officially present the project for the first time to the global public at the upcoming Paris Air Show, taking place June 16–19.

Radia recently announced a new wave of key collaborators joining the program, including:

Akaer (cockpit and systems integration)

Aciturri Aeronáutica (composite tail structure)

Astronautics Corporation of America (avionics integration)

Element Digital Engineering (fuel system)

Ingenium Technologies (wing mechanization)

Previously announced partners include Leonardo, MAGROUP Magnaghi Aerospace, Aernnova, and AFuzion.

Despite a relatively modest cruising speed of Mach 0.6 and a payload capacity of 72.6 tons, WindRunner is poised to break multiple records. Its cargo volume of 7,700 m³ is 12 times greater than that of the Boeing 747F, and its 108-meter fuselage with an 80-meter wingspan positions it to become the largest aircraft ever built.

Engineered for flexibility, WindRunner will be able to take off from runways as short as 1,800 meters—or even from unprepared terrain—and it will feature fully autonomous loading capabilities without requiring specialized ground support equipment. This stands in stark contrast to aircraft like the Airbus Beluga, which depend on dedicated infrastructure.

Radia describes WindRunner as “a global solution to one of the greatest logistical challenges of our time.” All eyes now turn to Paris, where the giant is set to take center stage.