The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has granted Windracers, a British commercial and defense drone manufacturer, approval to conduct the first international civil unmanned aerial system (UAS) operation by a UK company. Working in partnership with Luftfartstilsynet (Civil Aviation Authority Norway), Windracers will fly its dual-use heavy-lift drone, Windracers ULTRA, beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) across a controlled corridor from Tingwall Airport in the Shetlands to Haugesund Airport in Norway.
Landmark Airspace Arrangement
This marks the first instance in which a long-distance drone is authorized for civil use between UK airspace and a neighboring country. Authorities established temporary danger areas to enable a safe and regulated corridor for the flight. The approved path covers 235 miles (378 kilometers), extending over the North Sea, through the Scottish/Polaris Flight Information Region boundary, and into Norwegian airspace.
Regulatory Collaboration and Industry Impact
Simon Muderack, CEO at Windracers, said, “This airspace approval is a major landmark for both Windracers and the wider UAS sector, and shows how the UK and Norway CAAs are acting as enabling regulators supporting the future of aviation.”
Jon Round, Head of Airspace, Air Traffic Management & Aerodrome Airspace at UK Civil Aviation Authority, added, “Our airspace regulation team rose to the challenge by enabling an airspace change request through smart use of existing structures and regulatory processes. Innovation isn’t always about new technology or future frameworks – it can also mean reimagining how current systems can be applied. We’re proud to have helped make this possible, showing that we are an enabling regulator.”
Lars E. de Lange Kobberstad, Director General at Civil Aviation Authority of Norway, commented, “Together with our British colleagues, we are facilitating technology that can strengthen preparedness, protect the environment and improve accessibility—while keeping safety as our top priority.”
Windracers ULTRA: Capabilities and Applications
At the center of this milestone is the Windracers ULTRA drone, designed to transport up to 330 lbs (150 kg) over ranges of up to 600 miles (1,000 km). The platform features a reliable cargo aircraft, advanced proprietary autopilot, mission-control software, and operational services. For specialized missions, an optional 3-door drop bay floor enables the safe and accurate parachute delivery of aid and supplies.
Windracers ULTRA is available both as a service and for direct purchase. It has a proven track record in defense special operations, geological and wildlife surveying, remote parcel and medical deliveries, and precise aerial drops using parachutes.
Learn More
For full details on Windracers ULTRA and the recent approval, visit Windracers’ website.
Read More
- Windracers and Aviation Sans Frontières Launch Humanitarian Drone Partnership
- Windracers Introduces ULTRA MK2 Cargo UAV: More Power, Payload, and Efficiency
- Windracers Introduces ULTRA MK2 Cargo UAV: More Power, Payload, and Efficiency
Ian McNabb is a journalist focusing on drone technology and lifestyle content at Dronelife. He is based between Boston and NH and, when not writing, enjoys hiking and Boston area sports.
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