• Windracers received UK CAA approval for the first civil BVLOS unmanned flight across international airspace, allowing its ULTRA MK2 drone to fly 378 km from the Shetlands to Norway across the North Sea
• The ULTRA MK2 has evolved from a humanitarian aid aircraft into a rugged multipurpose logistics platform, capable of carrying up to 150 kg over 1,000 km for scientific, commercial, governmental, and relief missions
• The approved flight demonstrates that autonomous cargo drones can safely operate across borders today, improving reach, efficiency, and reliability for logistics and emergency support

Windracers has received approval from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to conduct the UK’s first civil unmanned aerial system (UAS) flight across international airspace. The authorisation allows the British civil and defence drone manufacturer to operate its dual-use heavy-lift platform, the Windracers ULTRA MK2, beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) from Tingwall Airport in the Shetlands to Haugesund Airport in Norway.

The 378 km (235 miles) route crosses the North Sea, moving from the Scottish/Polaris flight information region into Norwegian airspace. Temporary danger areas have been established to create a controlled corridor, separating the drone from other traffic. The ULTRA MK2 can carry up to 150 kg, fly 1,000 km, and features a three-door drop bay for parachute delivery of supplies, supporting missions from cargo transport to humanitarian relief.

“Many assume the autonomous air cargo industry is still years away,” said Stewart Wallace, Head of Safety and Regulation at Windracers. “This airspace approval allows us to prove the capabilities of the ULTRA MK2 across international borders. We can now operate real-world missions safely and reliably. BVLOS flights over long distances are possible today with the right planning, systems, and regulatory alignment.”

From humanitarian aid to multipurpose logistics

Operational requirements have evolved the ULTRA MK2 from a humanitarian-focused aircraft to a broader multipurpose logistics platform. Initially designed to carry 100 kg over 1,000 km from rough airstrips in Africa, the aircraft is now used for scientific, commercial, and governmental missions requiring rugged, low-cost, long-range performance. Autonomous fixed-wing systems like this are increasingly considered for logistics in areas lacking reliable road networks; research organisations use them for environmental monitoring and outpost resupply, while commercial operators connect dispersed logistics nodes.

Wallace emphasised the humanitarian origins of the design: “The cargo area was based on the UN standard aid box, and that shaped the original design concepts. Operating in Africa, from very remote areas to rough airstrips, gave us a rugged and dependable aircraft.” Across deployments in Europe, North America, Antarctica, and soon Greenland, users have dubbed the platform the “Jeep of the sky” or the “transit van of the sky.”

Engineering and performance improvements

Upgrades underpin the ULTRA MK2’s expanded capabilities. Two-stroke engines improve high-altitude and high-temperature performance while enhancing fuel efficiency. “We moved to a larger two-stroke engine, which gave us more power and improved fuel efficiency. This increased both our cargo capacity and our range,” Wallace said. Modifications, including an inverted V-tail reduce weight and add control surfaces, further improving performance.

Regulatory approval and operational significance

Approval from both UK and Norwegian authorities considered safety, liability, international obligations, and environmental impact. Temporary danger areas allow safe operation across multiple flight information regions and over open sea. BVLOS capability removes the need for ground crews along the route, enabling faster and more efficient transport of essential cargo to locations without conventional access.

“This mission is a practical demonstration of how autonomous systems can extend reach, reduce costs, and improve reliability in cargo transport,” Wallace added. “The regulatory authorities have created a framework that allows us to operate safely across borders.”

The Shetland-to-Norway flight demonstrates that drones can cross international boundaries and deliver cargo efficiently. “ULTRA MK2 can operate multiple mission types, from humanitarian aid to commercial cargo,” Wallace concluded. “Demonstrating this flight across the North Sea shows that autonomous systems can support logistics and emergency relief today. It’s a milestone for civil drone operations.”

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