At the Air, Space & Cyber 2025 conference, Radia unveiled the WindRunner for Defense, a project set to become the largest military transport aircraft in history — not only for its payload capacity, but also for the unprecedented volume of its cargo hold.
The WindRunner was designed to carry entire systems without the need for disassembly. According to the company, the aircraft will be able to carry in a single flight up to six CH-47 Chinook helicopters or twelve Apache attack helicopters, while the C-17 Globemaster III can accommodate only two. In addition, it will be capable of transporting assembled F-16 and F-35C fighters, CV-22 Osprey tiltrotors, and even rocket boosters.
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The cargo bay volume exceeds 6,800 m³, seven times larger than that of the C-5 Galaxy, currently the largest U.S. military transport aircraft. Although its payload is about 72 tons — less than the Antonov An-225, An-124, and even the C-5 — its advantage lies in the internal space offered.
Among the disclosed specifications are 108 meters in length, 80 meters in wingspan, and 24 meters in height. The aircraft will also be able to operate on dirt runways as short as 1,800 meters and use standard ground maintenance equipment.
The first flight is scheduled for the end of the decade, with entry into service expected around 2030.
From wind energy to defense
The WindRunner project originally emerged in 2024 as a civil initiative for transporting wind turbine blades. However, its logistical potential soon caught the attention of the Pentagon and NATO countries, which have already expressed interest in exploring its military version. 
Source and images: Radia. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team..
