WindRunner is set to become the longest aeroplane in history. Measuring 108 meters in length—over 40% longer than the Boeing 747-8—the Windrunner will be capable of carrying more than 70 tonnes of cargo over 2,000 kilometers. However, WindRunner will use its capacity for a very specific mission: transporting wind turbine blades.

Wind turbine manufacturers can achieve significant efficiency gains by using longer blades, but road networks limit feasible blade length. Interestingly, modern turbine blades are among the largest parts of any machine ever, noted by Matthew Griffin of fanaticalfuturist.com:

‘With the notable exception of the Large Hadron Collider, there's really no machine in history with single parts larger than today's mammoth wind turbines.’

Trucks navigate a tight junction (Source: radia.com)

WindRunner plans to hit the skies before 2030 to transport the colossal blades directly from manufacturing facilities to the wind farms for assembly. It will be capable of landing on semi-prepared airstrips that are at least 25% shorter than conventional passenger runways, allowing access to the remote and rugged terrains typical of isolated wind farms.

WindRunner is yet another example of how 21st century aviation is providing value to diverse industries by using clean-sheet aircraft designs to overcome specific challenges. As aviation continues to diversify, aviation insurance portfolios will also adapt, moving away from homogenous offerings and responding to emerging risks with tailored solutions.

Images: https://radia.com/windrunner

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