Windracers, a UK-based developer of autonomous drones, is completing a nine-week drone-based delivery trial in Orkney, Scotland, using its autonomous ULTRA aircraft.

During the trial, the aircraft demonstrated multiple use cases, including delivering logistics, water samples, shellfish, sea produce, and locally produced goods. It has a cargo capacity of 700 L, a payload capacity of up to 100 kg (220 lbs), and a range of up to 600 km (370 mi), making it suitable for servicing remote areas with minimal infrastructure.

Windracers claims this trial brings its technology closer to commercial application, potentially enabling more regular deliveries to island communities. The company plans further trials between Orkney and Shetland later this year to explore how the technology can improve connectivity to and from the islands.

Analyst QuickTake : Skyports is a peer drone-based delivery services provider already conducting commercial drone-based deliveries in Orkney to deliver mail in partnership with Royal Mail, the UK postal service.