Latest news with #WindRunner
Scottish Sun
11-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
From ‘Skytanic' to bizarre ‘blended wing' jet – five astonishing planes of the future we could see by 2030
With record-breaking ranges of 9,000 non-stop miles, to supersonic speeds that can slash flight times READY, JET, GO! From 'Skytanic' to bizarre 'blended wing' jet – five astonishing planes of the future we could see by 2030 TECHNOLOGY is rapidly changing on the ground, in space and the sky in between. Here's a glimpse into the not-so-distant future of air travel. 7 Soon to be the world's biggest plane, WindRunner, will be able to carry 12-times more than a Boeing 747 Credit: RADIA 7 Dubbed "Skytanic", the airliner will take to the skies by 2030 Credit: RADIA 7 The world's first "blended-wing body" plane, dubbed the Z4, could someday replace older Boeing jets Credit: JetZero 7 The 250-passenger Z4 plane, built by JetZero, has not yet been certified - but the company is hoping to launch it by 2030 Credit: JetZero 'Skytanic' Soon to be the world's biggest plane, WindRunner, will be able to carry 12-times more than a Boeing 747. Dubbed "Skytanic", the airliner will take to the skies by 2030, almost a decade after the idea was put forward by aerospace firm Radia. It will be tasked with transporting enormous cargo. WindRunner will clock in at an incredible 356ft - longer than the pitch at Wembley - and will be 79ft tall. 'Blended wing' jet The world's first "blended-wing body" plane, dubbed the Z4, could someday replace older Boeing jets. The unique design was just backed by United Airlines, which has plans to purchase up to 200 of the swanky new planes. The 250-passenger Z4 plane, built by JetZero, has not yet been certified - but the company is hoping to launch it by 2030. Managing director of United Airlines Venture told Business Insider that the Z4's oversized wing could create a "living room in the sky". 7 In October last year, the Beijing-based firm said that it successfully completed the first test flight for the prototype model Credit: YUNXING Yunxing superplane A futuristic 'superplane' that could ferry passengers from London to New York City in just 90 minutes is hoped to be in the sky by 2027. The Chinese company, Space Transportation, behind the project is reportedly inching closer towards the production of the aircraft, called Yunxing. In October last year, the Beijing-based firm said that it successfully completed the first test flight for the prototype model. The jet could potentially reach the speed of Mach 4 (3,00mph) - twice as fast as the British Concorde. World's first private jet that can fly 9,000 miles non-stop to launch across US and Europe after breaking records 7 This globetrotting jumbo jet is set to launch across US and Europe, having secured FAA and EASA certifications Credit: Gulfstream Globe trotter The Gulfstream G800 boasts a record-breaking range, allowing it to fly an incredible 9,000 miles without stopping. This globetrotting jumbo jet is set to launch across US and Europe, having secured FAA and EASA certifications. It's hoped it will be zooming across skies in 2030. Now the longest-range private aircraft in the world, the Gulfstream G800 can ferry passengers to almost anywhere in the world without taking a single stop. If the jet were to take off from London it could fly to any airport across the globe - with the exception of Sydney. It has three luxurious living areas for up to 19 passengers, as well as a dedicated crew compartment for maximum in-flight comfort. 7 Overture aircraft could feasibly fly passengers from London to New York City in just 3.5 hours at supersonic speeds Credit: The Mega Agency Boom Overture The supersonic Overture jet is on track for a 2029 launch, according to the company behind the project. US-based Boom Technology has forecast a market for up to 1,000 supersonic airliners, across 500 viable routes, with fares comparable to business class. Overture aircraft could feasibly fly passengers from London to New York City in just 3.5 hours at supersonic speeds. The flight currently takes roughly 8 hours on a standard commercial carrier. Laying the groundwork for Overture, Boom's XB-1 jet successfully reached supersonic speeds earlier this year. Bosses at the Colorado-headquartered firm believe it will be the first US-built commercial supersonic jet to hit the market
The Irish Sun
11-05-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
From ‘Skytanic' to bizarre ‘blended wing' jet – five astonishing planes of the future we could see by 2030
TECHNOLOGY is rapidly changing on the ground, in space and the sky in between. Here's a glimpse into the not-so-distant future of air travel. Advertisement 7 Soon to be the world's biggest plane, WindRunner, will be able to carry 12-times more than a Boeing 747 Credit: RADIA 7 Dubbed "Skytanic", the airliner will take to the skies by 2030 Credit: RADIA 7 The world's first "blended-wing body" plane, dubbed the Z4, could someday replace older Boeing jets Credit: JetZero 7 The 250-passenger Z4 plane, built by JetZero, has not yet been certified - but the company is hoping to launch it by 2030 Credit: JetZero 'Skytanic' Soon to be the world's biggest plane, Dubbed "Skytanic", the airliner will It will be tasked with transporting enormous cargo. WindRunner will clock in at an incredible 356ft - longer than the pitch at Wembley - and will be 79ft tall. Advertisement READ MORE ON AEROSPACE 'Blended wing' jet The world's first The unique design was just backed by United Airlines , which has plans to purchase up to 200 of the swanky new planes. The 250-passenger Z4 plane, built by JetZero, has not yet been certified - but the company is hoping to launch it by 2030. Managing director of United Airlines Venture told Business Insider that the Z4's oversized wing could create a "living room in the sky". Advertisement Most read in Tech 7 In October last year, the Beijing-based firm said that it successfully completed the first test flight for the prototype model Credit: YUNXING Yunxing superplane A The In October last year, the Beijing-based firm said that it successfully completed the first test flight for the prototype model. Advertisement The jet could potentially reach the speed of Mach 4 (3,00mph) - World's first private jet that can fly 9,000 miles non-stop to launch across US and Europe after breaking records 7 This globetrotting jumbo jet is set to launch across US and Europe, having secured FAA and EASA certifications Credit: Gulfstream Globe trotter The This globetrotting jumbo jet is set to launch across US and Europe, having secured FAA and EASA certifications. Advertisement It's hoped it will be zooming across skies in 2030. Now the longest-range private aircraft in the world, the Gulfstream G800 can ferry passengers to almost anywhere in the world without taking a single stop. If the jet were to take off from London it could fly to any airport across the globe - with the exception of Sydney. It has three luxurious living areas for up to 19 passengers, as well as a dedicated crew compartment for maximum in-flight comfort. Advertisement 7 Overture aircraft could feasibly fly passengers from London to New York City in just 3.5 hours at supersonic speeds Credit: The Mega Agency Boom Overture The supersonic Overture jet is on track for a 2029 launch, according to the company behind the project. US-based Boom Technology has forecast a market for up to 1,000 supersonic airliners, across 500 viable routes, with fares comparable to business class. Overture aircraft could feasibly fly passengers from London to New York City in just 3.5 hours at supersonic speeds. Advertisement The flight currently takes roughly 8 hours on a standard commercial carrier. Laying the groundwork for Overture, Bosses at the Colorado-headquartered firm believe it will be the first US-built commercial supersonic jet to hit the market Supersonic and Hypersonic Jets There are several types of hypersonic and supersonic jets. A breakdown of what's been happening in the industry and what's expected in the coming years. Talon-A Built by Stratolaunch Reported speeds of Mach 5 The first test flight conducted in 2024 Built by Nasa and Lockheed Martin Predicted max speeds of Mach 1.4 The first test flight in 2024 - but subject to delays Built by Venus Aerospace and Velontra Predicted max speeds of Mach 6 First test flight in 2025 Built by Hermeus Predicted max speeds of Mach 2.5 First test flight in 2026 Built by Hermeus Predicted max speeds of Mach 5 First test flight by 2030 Built by China's hypersonic plane programme Predicted max speeds of Mach 6 First test flight in 2025 Built by Hypersonix Launch Systems Predicted max speeds of Mach 7 First test flight in 2025
Associated Press
08-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Radia and U.S. Department of Defense Collaborate to Assess Utility of WindRunner™, the World's Largest Aircraft, for Dual Use Civil-Military Oversized/Outsized Cargo Operations
BOULDER, Colo., May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Radia, the developer of a transformational outsized, high-volume cargo aircraft, the WindRunner™, today announced a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). With a length of 356 feet (109m) and a wingspan of 261 feet (80m), the WindRunner will have twelve times the volume of the 747 and the ability to land on short and unpaved runways. The CRADA, a research partnership between Radia and U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), will focus on understanding the feasibility and operational effectiveness of the WindRunner as a potential commercial carrier option to support critical DoD logistics and transportation needs, such as through the Civil Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF). The agreement allows Radia and DoD to assess how the unique capabilities of the WindRunner allow moving critical military-unique cargo—and to serve the broader civil/ military oversized cargo market. Key areas of research under the CRADA will include: 'The WindRunner allows the world's biggest things to be delivered to the hardest-to-reach locations. This collaboration demonstrates how commercial capabilities may help to support U.S. national defense by integrating with and addressing military needs,' said Mark Lundstrom, Radia Founder and CEO. 'By leveraging the unique design and capabilities of the WindRunner, we can together explore innovative solutions for transporting outsized and high-volume cargo, enhancing the DoD's ability to respond to global challenges.' The CRADA enables joint research efforts, data sharing, and collaboration between Radia and DoD experts. Findings from this research will inform future strategy decisions and operational planning for dual-use civilian and military airlift capabilities. About Radia Radia has developed the WindRunner™, the largest aircraft ever built by volume. Designed for dual use, it enables efficient delivery of oversized cargo to locations with limited infrastructure—serving applications in clean energy, defense, aerospace, and emergency response. In the renewable sector, WindRunner allows the deployment of next-generation onshore wind turbines too large for land transport, unlocking cheaper and more abundant energy. Radia has been recognized by the World Economic Forum as a 'WEF Unicorn' and by Endeavor as an 'Endeavor Entrepreneur.' Learn more at Contact: Kathy Van Buskirk Head of Marketing & Communications, Radia [email protected] +1 720 771 7651 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Radia
Malaysian Reserve
08-05-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Radia and U.S. Department of Defense Collaborate to Assess Utility of WindRunner™, the World's Largest Aircraft, for Dual Use Civil-Military Oversized/Outsized Cargo Operations
BOULDER, Colo., May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Radia, the developer of a transformational outsized, high-volume cargo aircraft, the WindRunner™, today announced a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). With a length of 356 feet (109m) and a wingspan of 261 feet (80m), the WindRunner will have twelve times the volume of the 747 and the ability to land on short and unpaved runways. The CRADA, a research partnership between Radia and U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), will focus on understanding the feasibility and operational effectiveness of the WindRunner as a potential commercial carrier option to support critical DoD logistics and transportation needs, such as through the Civil Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF). The agreement allows Radia and DoD to assess how the unique capabilities of the WindRunner allow moving critical military-unique cargo—and to serve the broader civil/ military oversized cargo market. Key areas of research under the CRADA will include: Cargo capacity and handling: Analyzing the WindRunner's ability to transport various types of DoD cargo, including space launch materials, oversized equipment, and humanitarian aid. Ground operations: Evaluating airfield suitability, ground handling procedures, and necessary infrastructure for efficient WindRunner operations. Operational planning: Developing mission profiles and assessing the aircraft's performance in different operational scenarios. Integration with existing DoD systems: Exploring the portions of typical DoD logistics networks that may best be served by the WindRunner commercial cargo option. 'The WindRunner allows the world's biggest things to be delivered to the hardest-to-reach locations. This collaboration demonstrates how commercial capabilities may help to support U.S. national defense by integrating with and addressing military needs,' said Mark Lundstrom, Radia Founder and CEO. 'By leveraging the unique design and capabilities of the WindRunner, we can together explore innovative solutions for transporting outsized and high-volume cargo, enhancing the DoD's ability to respond to global challenges.' The CRADA enables joint research efforts, data sharing, and collaboration between Radia and DoD experts. Findings from this research will inform future strategy decisions and operational planning for dual-use civilian and military airlift capabilities. About Radia Radia has developed the WindRunner™, the largest aircraft ever built by volume. Designed for dual use, it enables efficient delivery of oversized cargo to locations with limited infrastructure—serving applications in clean energy, defense, aerospace, and emergency response. In the renewable sector, WindRunner allows the deployment of next-generation onshore wind turbines too large for land transport, unlocking cheaper and more abundant energy. Radia has been recognized by the World Economic Forum as a 'WEF Unicorn' and by Endeavor as an 'Endeavor Entrepreneur.' Learn more at Contact: Kathy Van Buskirk Head of Marketing & Communications, Radia Kathy@ +1 720 771 7651
Associated Press
06-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Major General Kenneth Thad Bibb, Jr. Joins Radia as Vice President of Business Development for Defense
BOULDER, Colo., May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Radia, the aerospace innovator behind WindRunner™—the world's largest cargo aircraft—is pleased to welcome Major General Kenneth 'Thad' Bibb, Jr., USAF (Ret), as Vice President of Business Development for Defense. General Bibb brings decades of military aviation and logistics leadership to help guide Radia's growing role in supporting U.S. and allied defense operations. With 33 years in the United States Air Force, General Bibb has commanded some of the service's most critical logistics and mobility organizations. As Commander of the 18th Air Force, he led 36,000 Airmen who executed global airlift, refueling, and aeromedical missions, and he oversaw the fleet that included the C-5 and C-17 heavy lift assets. Previously, he directed the 618th Air Operations Center, overseeing daily flight operations across a global fleet of 1,100 aircraft. He also served in senior roles within Air Force Materiel Command, responsible for strategic planning and oversight of multi-billion-dollar research, development, and sustainment programs. 'General Bibb is a rare leader who understands both the operational needs and strategic challenges facing modern defense logistics,' said Mark Lundstrom, CEO of Radia. 'He brings vital insight and relationships to ensure WindRunner's unique capabilities directly support critical missions across the globe.' The WindRunner was designed to meet pressing demands for large-scale, flexible logistics— both in energy and defense. It has twelve times the cargo volume of a 747 and can land on short, rugged runways. This makes the WindRunner a powerful complement to the military's legacy fleets like the C-5, C-17, AN-24, and aging air refuelers such as the KC-135 and KC-46, and it is a flexible tool for carrying aircraft like the F-16 and its support equipment. 'The WindRunner solves a real problem—it can carry enormous cargo that other air transport vehicles cannot,' said General Bibb. 'I'm excited to see the WindRunner as a dual-use aircraft that can replace, and augment missions served by the C-5 and C-17. It brings a new level of flexibility and speed to logistics planning. I'm proud to join Radia at a moment when rapid, resilient mobility is more important than ever.' General Bibb's appointment builds on Radia's momentum in the defense sector and reinforces its commitment to strengthening national security through agile, infrastructure-light air logistics. About Radia Radia has developed the world's largest aircraft, the WindRunner™, with twelve times the volume of a 747 and the ability to land on short and unpaved runways. The WindRunner fleet will be a dual-use platform that can be used for defense, aerospace, and other oversized cargo applications in addition to wind energy. For the wind energy industry, the WindRunner will enable the cheapest energy in the world by allowing the supersizing of onshore wind turbines that would otherwise not be possible to transport terrestrially. Radia was competitively selected by both the World Economic Forum as a 'WEF Unicorn' and Endeavor as an 'Endeavor Entrepreneur'. Learn more at Contact: Kathy Van Buskirk Head of Marketing & Communications, Radia +1 720 771 7651 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Radia
