FAREHAM, UK – January 29, 2026 – UK-based cargo drone developer Windracers is significantly increasing its production capabilities for the Ultra Mk2 autonomous aircraft, aiming to build over 100 units this year to satisfy burgeoning demand from both civil and military sectors. The ramp-up follows substantial sales success and the full transition of its manufacturing to the upgraded Mk2 variant.
The company, which recently expanded its factory in Fareham, southern England, is responding to a strong order book that includes crucial deployments to Ukraine and ongoing humanitarian and research missions worldwide.
Expanded Manufacturing Facility Powers Increased Output
Windracers’ ambitious production targets are underpinned by its expanded 22,000 square meter (237,000 sq ft) facility in Fareham, which officially opened in October 2025. This move from its previous site at Boscombe Down airfield provides the necessary space and capabilities to scale up the manufacturing of the Ultra Mk2. The company built slightly more than 60 units in 2025, and the new target for “100-plus” aircraft in 2026 represents a significant increase in output.
According to Simon Muderack, Windracers’ chief executive, this expansion is a major step forward, enabling the company to create skilled jobs and meet demand from customers both within the UK and internationally. The company is already contemplating further expansion, including a dedicated MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) and customer completions facility near Fareham to allow for more efficient customization of aircraft. Founder and Chairman Stephen Wright also indicated that Windracers is considering additional production sites to handle potential future orders, signaling an intent to become one of the UK’s largest aircraft manufacturers.
The Versatile Ultra Mk2: A Dual-Use Heavy-Lift Solution
The Ultra Mk2, unveiled in January 2025, is described by Windracers as the “most accomplished low-cost heavy-lift, long-distance cargo drone available today.” This advanced self-flying aircraft boasts double the power output and a 50% increase in payload capacity compared to its predecessor.
Key specifications and capabilities of the Ultra Mk2 include:
- Payload Capacity: Initially 150 kg, with an upcoming upgrade to 200 kg.
- Range: Currently up to 1,000 km, with plans to extend to 2,000 km.
- Power: Equipped with a pair of 50-horsepower Hirth F23 piston engines.
- Efficiency: Halves operational fuel costs per kilogram.
- Operational Flexibility: Capable of operating day or night, in challenging conditions like fog, and requires minimal ground operator oversight.
- Design: Features a robust 10-meter fixed-wing design.
- Mission Adaptability: Includes an optional three-door drop bay floor for precision parachuted deliveries of aid and supplies.
Meeting Diverse Global Demands
The significant demand for the Ultra Mk2 stems from its proven effectiveness across a variety of critical applications:
Defence Applications
Dozens of Ultra drones have been deployed to Ukraine through a deal with the UK Ministry of Defence, providing crucial intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) as well as resupply missions in real-world operational use.
Humanitarian Aid and Logistics
Windracers has partnered with organizations like Aviation Sans Frontières to revolutionize medical logistics and aid delivery in remote regions, particularly in Africa. The drones are instrumental in bypassing poor road networks to deliver vital supplies, including trials for vaccines and temperature-sensitive medical items. Windracers is establishing an operational base in Malawi to support these missions.
Environmental Research and Scientific Surveys
The Ultra Mk2 is also playing a significant role in scientific research. NORCE, an independent scientific research institute in Norway, has contracted Windracers to provide Ultra aircraft for scientific survey missions in Antarctica. These drones are designed to carry comprehensive optical and radar payloads, operating in extreme conditions to gather data and enhance understanding of the Antarctic ecosystem. The British Antarctic Survey has also partnered with Windracers, with Ultra drones completing over 3,000 km of data collection in Antarctica.
Civil Air Cargo
For remote locations and critical supply chains, the Ultra Mk2 offers a cost-effective and rapid solution for middle-mile air cargo, reducing delivery times and costs.
The increasing versatility and cost-effectiveness of the Ultra Mk2 position Windracers as a key player in the evolving landscape of autonomous cargo and surveillance aviation, with plans for continued growth and innovation.
