Colorado Startup to Develop World’s Biggest Military Cargo Plane

Boulder-based Radia will build the WindRunner, billed as the world’s largest military cargo aircraft, for US and NATO forces to address a growing airlift gap, Jérôme Brahy reported for Army Recognition

The WindRunner’s internal capacity exceeds 6,800 cubic meters — seven times that of a C-5 and 12 times that of a C-17. (Photo: Radia) 

Radia confirmed on September 19 that it will design the WindRunner to surpass existing heavy transport fleets in size and payload capacity, expanding logistics and humanitarian reach.

The military version will complement aging but still-operational airlifters such as the C-130 Hercules, C-5 Galaxy, and C-17 Globemaster III.

The WindRunner’s internal capacity exceeds 6,800 cubic meters — seven times that of a C-5 and 12 times that of a C-17 — allowing roll-on, roll-off delivery of mission-ready equipment without specialized loaders.

The aircraft could transport six fully assembled CH-47 Chinook helicopters (versus one disassembled on a C-17), four CV-22 Ospreys, or up to twelve Apache helicopters in a single sortie. It could also carry four F-16 or F-35C fighters directly to forward bases without refueling.

The project highlights deepening US–NATO defense cooperation amid mounting global security challenges.