Radia expands WindRunner supplier network

Radia has signed supplier agreements with Latecoere and Stirling Dynamics to support key elements of its WindRunner aircraft programme. The partnerships will strengthen the development of the next-generation oversized cargo aircraft by leveraging the suppliers' expertise in critical aircraft systems and engineering.

Announced ahead of the Farnborough International Airshow, the partnerships mark another milestone in the development of WindRunner, the world's largest cargo aircraft. The agreements bring together specialised expertise across key technical areas and support Radia's strategy to build an integrated industrial ecosystem for the aircraft's development, certification, manufacturing and operation.

Radia has partnered with Latecoere to support the development of the Electrical Wiring Interconnection System (EWIS) for the WindRunner aircraft. Under the agreement, Latecoere will leverage its expertise in aircraft electrical systems, aerostructures and industrialisation gained through commercial and defence aerospace programmes.

Sam Marnick, President Americas of Latecoere, said, “WindRunner represents one of the most ambitious aerospace development programs underway today. We are pleased to collaborate with Radia and contribute our expertise in aircraft electrical systems integration to support the development of this groundbreaking aircraft. The scale and complexity of WindRunner create exciting opportunities for innovation and collaboration across the aerospace industry."

Radia has also partnered with Stirling Dynamics to support flight controls integration for the WindRunner aircraft. Stirling Dynamics will contribute its expertise in flight control systems, simulation, and aircraft engineering to help develop safe, efficient, and reliable operations.

Bandula Pathinayake, Vice President of Stirling Dynamics, said, “WindRunner will redefine what is possible in air cargo transportation, and we look forward to applying our expertise in flight controls, systems engineering, and simulation as the programme moves through the integration phase".

According to Radia, Latecoere and Stirling Dynamics will provide specialised expertise to strengthen critical elements of the WindRunner programme, supporting the development of an industrial foundation aimed at transforming oversized cargo transportation across the defence, energy, aerospace, commercial and humanitarian sectors.

Latecoere and Stirling Dynamics become the latest additions to WindRunner's expanding global supplier network, which now includes more than 20 technology and industry partners. The programme's existing collaborators include AFuzion, Aciturri, Aernnova, Akaer, Astronautics Corporation of America, Atitech, Element Materials Technology, Ingenium Technologies, Leonardo and MAGROUP Magnaghi Aerospace, among others.

As the WindRunner programme advances, Radia is continuing to expand its partner network by selecting companies with specialised capabilities that can accelerate aircraft development while strengthening the long-term industrial foundation needed to support defence, energy, aerospace, commercial and humanitarian operations worldwide.