Meet The WindRunner: Colorado Startup's Aircraft That Can Carry Fighter Jets, Chinooks, And Even Mobile Hospitals Fully Assembled

Core Insights - Radia, a startup from Boulder, Colorado, is proposing the WindRunner, which it claims to be the world's largest aircraft by volume, capable of transporting large military assets without disassembly [1][2] - The WindRunner offers significantly more cargo space than existing military aircraft, with seven times the capacity of the C-5 Super Galaxy and twelve times that of the C-17 Globemaster III [2] - The aircraft is designed to operate from shorter, unpaved runways, enhancing its operational flexibility in various environments [5] Company Overview - Radia's WindRunner is designed to carry entire mission-ready systems, addressing limitations of current military transport aircraft [3] - The aircraft has a wingspan of 261 feet, a length of 356 feet, and a payload volume of 6,800 cubic meters, with a payload capacity of approximately 160,000 pounds [3] - The company emphasizes that the WindRunner will be compatible with standard ground equipment, reducing the need for specialized infrastructure [6] Military Applications - The WindRunner can transport multiple military assets, including four CV-22 Ospreys or up to twelve Apache helicopters, enhancing combat readiness [4] - It is capable of moving rocket boosters quickly, improving logistics for space launches [4] Operational Advantages - The aircraft's design allows for operations in challenging environments, such as storm-damaged or contested locations, due to its ability to use shorter runways [5] - By minimizing the need for specialized loaders or custom facilities, the WindRunner could lower operational costs and reduce mission timelines [6]