The uncrewed low-cost transport (ULTRA) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is a fixed-wing long-range aircraft developed by Windracers, a cargo operator based in the UK.
The UAV is designed to overcome the intricate logistics challenges associated with delivering essential supplies.
Recommended Buyers Guides
Often referred to as the ‘Jeep of the skies’ due to its multi-purpose capabilities, the UAV is set to revolutionise various sectors including defence, humanitarian aid, environmental conservation, logistics, and mail and parcel delivery services.
Ukraine has deployed the autonomous ULTRA cargo drones for military endeavours since 2023.
The UK’s Royal Air Force Air Cadets were introduced to three Windracer ULTRA long-range logistic drones assembled in the UK in February 2024.
In April 2026, Windracers was selected as one of the key suppliers for the UK Government’s £752m ($1.01bn) drone package for Ukraine. The package is for 120,000 drones and includes ULTRA UAVs.
Windracers ULTRA UAV design and features
The Windracers ULTRA UAV measures 20ft × 30ft (6.1m × 9.1m), has an empty weight of 300kg and a maximum take-off weight of 450kg.
The UAV can carry payloads weighing up to 150kg and accommodate internal payloads of up to 700 litres in volume.
The structural materials of the UAV are constructed with 95% aluminium. It features 24 interchangeable control surfaces.
Performance and engines
The ULTRA UAV has a cruise speed of 135km/h, or 85mph, and a range of up to 1,000km.
In January 2026, Windracers reported that the ULTRA UAV can be configured to reach a range of up to 2,000km.
With a nominal endurance exceeding 12 hours, the ULTRA UAV excels in detection, dropping and delivery operations.
The UAV can operate on runways encompassing dirt, grass, tarmac and ice surfaces. It can take off and land within a radius of 150m in any direction and performs automatic landings with ground rolls under 150m, applicable to wet and dry conditions.
The ULTRA UAV features twin engines and operates on 350W of electrical power. It can achieve a significant reduction in CO2 emissions of up to 70%.
Control and operations
The aircraft’s flight control system is designed to withstand extreme environments, aligning with Windracers’ Zero Single Point of Failure philosophy, and addressing risks across avionics, communications and ground control systems.
Windracers’ ULTRA drones are equipped with an advanced Masterless autopilot system developed by Distributed Avionics, a sister company of Windracers.
The autopilot system enables autonomous take-off, flight and landing without the need for a remote pilot.
Mission capabilities
The ULTRA UAV enables the delivery of supplies to remote or cut-off detachments and operates effectively in hostile or highly contested environments.
It shortens lead times during emergency and humanitarian responses and maintains a steady flow of support despite terrain, weather or operational constraints.
Windracers ULTRA UAV trials and development
The Windracers ULTRA UAV has undergone rigorous testing including several thousand kilometres of autonomous flights for entities such as the Royal Navy, the UK Ministry of Defence, and the British Antarctic Survey (BAS).
In October 2023, the BAS announced the first flight of its autonomous drone in Antarctica. The trials included the successful testing of the ULTRA drone in Antarctica in February 2024, during which it autonomously flew over the BAS Rothera Research Station and nearby islands.
BAS and Windracers scientists and engineers assessed the UAV’s performance for future missions. The UAV covered more than 720km, gathering scientific data to expand its understanding of Antarctica’s response to environmental changes.
The UAV has also conducted trials with the Royal Mail in the Scottish islands and achieved a milestone by landing on the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales.
In September 2025, Windracers signed a memorandum of understanding with Bharat Forge to collaborate on the deployment, localisation and application of the ULTRA UAV. The initiative supports the UK-India free trade agreement and the India-UK Vision 2035 strategy.
