Windracers, the maker of low-cost self-flying cargo aircraft the ULTRA™, is set to complete a self-flying cargo aircraft service trial in Orkney this week. This means faster, more convenient and more reliable delivery services to residents and businesses on the remote islands.

Windracers has been operating a scheduled service over 9 weeks, with its ULTRA self-flying cargo aircraft – a robust, twin-engine fixed-wing aircraft with a 10-metre wingspan – moving autonomously between the islands of Eday, Westray and North Ronaldsay in Orkney.

The trial is Windracers’ second trial to be a part of SATE and is part-funded by the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Future Flight challenge, delivered by Innovate UK and the Economic and Social Research Council.

“This 9-week continuous trial is an important step in making self-flying cargo aircraft a reality and giving people in remote locations access to the things they need, when they need them.” comments Simon Muderack, ceo at Windracers.

“We’re delighted to be operating in Orkney and working with our partners, SATE and UKRI, which share our vision for a universal and sustainable next day delivery service in the region.”

Where the previous trial was carried out over a shorter period, the recent 9-weeks of continuous flying has brought Windracers’ technology significantly closer to commercial application. The aircraft has demonstrated multiple use cases in this period, including delivering logistics, water samples, shellfish, and sea produce as well as locally produced goods.

The ULTRA’s significant cargo capacity of 700L, a useful payload capacity of up to100kg and a range of up to 600 kilometres, means that it is well-suited to provide deliveries to remote communities with minimal infrastructure – something which has been reinforced by its recent success flying between Orkney’s Northern Isles.

Jayne Golding, SATE manager at HITRANS added: “We’re delighted to reach this milestone with Windracers to trial the ULTRA in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. These trials are essential for the programme and for our technical partners, demonstrating capabilities and indeed the opportunities. We look forward to engaging the community and wider stakeholders in the activity.”

Windracers has integrated its flight schedule with the existing logistics network to see what might be a reality. Streamline Shipping Group, which handles 90% of last-mile deliveries to the Scottish islands of Orkney and Shetland, has used its electric van as part of the sustainable transport journey.

Will Rodger, service manager at Streamline Shipping Group, said: “As part of our path to net zero, we are running several trials including drone-based deliveries, unmanned seafaring vessels, and hydrogen HGVs. Drones present an opportunity to make more regular deliveries to and collections of locally-produced goods from the island communities we have supported for over 40 years – potentially increasing twice-weekly routes to become daily, which would have a massive impact on residents and businesses.”

As well as flying across the Orkney Isles during July and August, Windracers is planning further trials later in the year that will see it operating between Orkney and Shetland. Use cases are being developed which will again provide insight into how the technology can improve connectivity to and from the islands and any wider impact.

A stakeholder event will be held on 10 September in Kirkwall where there will be more technical presentations, a chance to see the aircraft up close and wider information about SATE’s programme. Stay tuned for more information!

Hear Stephen and Jayne talk about the trial on this morning’s BBC Radio Orkney news here.