Radia
Radia is a Boulder-based aerospace company developing WindRunner, the world's largest cargo aircraft by volume, to deliver oversized air cargo for energy, defense, aerospace, and humanitarian customers under a transport-as-a-service model.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2016
- HeadquartersBoulder, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Radia does
Radia, Inc. is a private aerospace company founded in 2016 and headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, with a principal European headquarters in Rome, Italy, and a regional hub in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The company is developing WindRunner, described as the world's largest cargo aircraft by volume, with 6,800 m³ of cargo space (approximately 10x a Boeing 777), a 72.6-tonne maximum payload, 109 m length, 80 m wingspan, 1,800 m unpaved-runway capability, and a patented nose cargo door loading system designed for roll-on/roll-off handling of fully assembled systems. Radia is targeting FAA Part 25 type certification and first flight by 2030, with initial production in 2029 and full production in 2031.
The aircraft is purpose-built to transport oversized cargo that exceeds the spatial envelope of any existing airlifter, including 100m+ wind turbine blades (the GigaWind segment), complete military platforms such as CH-47 Chinooks, V-22 Ospreys, and F-35s without disassembly, rocket boosters and space hardware, and large-volume humanitarian and project cargo. Radia has assembled a Tier-1 supplier ecosystem of more than 20 partners, including Leonardo (fuselage), Aernnova (wings and engine pylons), MAGROUP (landing gear), Aciturri (empennage), Akaer (pressurized cabin), Astronautics (avionics and cybersecurity), Latécoère (EWIS), Stirling Dynamics (flight controls), Element Materials Technology (fuel systems), Ingenium Technologies (high-lift controls), Collier Aerospace (composite optimization), and Atitech (MRO and final assembly line support).
Radia plans to monetize WindRunner under a transport-as-a-service model rather than selling aircraft, targeting commercial operators, governments, and humanitarian organizations across four segments: energy (primarily wind turbine logistics), defense (U.S. and allied oversized airlift, including a 2025 DoD CRADA for CRAF-related assessment), aerospace/space, and humanitarian aid. The company is privately held, has secured more than $150 million to date (including a $35M March 2024 round from Capital Factory, Caruso Ventures, ConocoPhillips, Good Growth Capital, Lauder Partners, Leo Lion, and LS Power, and an undisclosed 2025 investment from ConocoPhillips), and is currently pursuing a Series C of up to $300 million. The program has been recognized by the World Economic Forum as a Unicorn, and is led by founder/CEO Mark Lundstrom alongside senior defense, regulatory, and energy advisors including former U.S. Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz, former FAA Administrator Marion Blakey, former AMC Commander Mike Minihan, and former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.
Radia firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Radia
- Legal name
- Radia, Inc.
- Website
- https://radia.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2016
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Radia is a Boulder-based aerospace company developing WindRunner, the world's largest cargo aircraft by volume, to deliver oversized air cargo for energy, defense, aerospace, and humanitarian customers under a transport-as-a-service model.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Radia industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Heavy-lift air cargo services
- NAICS
- Aircraft Manufacturing (336411), Nonscheduled Air Transportation (4812), Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing (33641), Air Transportation (481)
- SIC
- Aircraft (3721), Aircraft & Parts (3720)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Special-Mission Fixed-Wing Aircraft Manufacturing (ISR, AEW&C, Patrol) (IMABAAAH)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Heavy-Lift & Outsize Cargo Airlines (THABAEAG), Heavy-Lift / Outsize Air Cargo Carriers (TLADAAAF), Defense & Aerospace Project Cargo (Military/Aircraft Components) (TLADAGAJ), Oversized / Out-of-Gauge & Heavy-Lift Air Freight (Aircraft Constraints, Special Handling) (TLACAAAG)
Keywords
Where Radia is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Boulder
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
Radia business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Transport-as-a-Service: Radia plans to operate WindRunner through a transport-as-a-service model, providing flexible capacity to commercial operators, governments, and humanitarian organizations rather than selling aircraft directly. The company is developing a global fleet to serve multiple industries.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels5 records
Radia product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Radia develops and operates the WindRunner, the world's largest cargo aircraft by volume, purpose-built to transport oversized payloads such as 105m wind turbine blades, fully assembled military helicopters and fighter jets, rocket boosters, and large industrial equipment. The company sells oversized air transport capacity under a transport-as-a-service model to commercial operators, governments, defense departments, and humanitarian organizations, rather than selling the aircraft itself. Target operations include wind energy logistics, defense airlift, aerospace component delivery, and disaster relief cargo transport.
Product overview
Radia offers a single primary product: the WindRunner aircraft, a purpose-built oversized cargo transport operated under a transport-as-a-service model. The aircraft is designed to transport oversized cargo including wind turbine blades (GigaWind segment), rocket boosters, complete military helicopters and aircraft, and large industrial components. The company leverages a global network of aerospace manufacturing partners for aircraft development and logistics partners for cargo operations, but does not offer separate software products, modules, or SaaS offerings.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- WindRunner transport-as-a-service WindRunner is the world's largest cargo aircraft by volume, purpose-built to transport oversized cargo including 105m wind turbine blades, fully assembled military helicopters and fighter jets, rocket boosters, satellites, and large industrial equipment. Operated under a transport-as-a-service model serving commercial operators, governments, defense departments, and humanitarian organizations. The aircraft features 6,800 m³ cargo volume, 72.6-tonne maximum payload, 2,000 km range at max payload, Mach 0.6 cruise speed, and the ability to operate from 1,800m of unpaved runway with full payload.
Quantifiable outcome
- WindRunner delivers 7x C-5 volume, 12x C-17 volume, 20x A400M volume
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Radia
Customer profileSegments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Radia technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Radia partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.
- LatécoèrecoreLatécoère will design the aircraft's Electrical Wiring Interconnection System (EWIS) for the WindRunner program, joining over 20 existing partners developing critical aircraft systems.
- Stirling DynamicscoreStirling Dynamics will integrate flight control systems for the WindRunner aircraft, addressing the unique engineering challenges posed by the aircraft's unprecedented size.
- Italy Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (MIMIT)flagshipRenewed MOU to collaborate on WindRunner development and engage Italy's aerospace and industrial base. Establishes framework for institutional and technical collaboration with potential contributions from Campania and Puglia regions.
- Blue Water ShippingflagshipStrategic alliance combining WindRunner's large air cargo capacity with Blue Water's global logistics network. Non-exclusive agreement designates each company as a preferred partner. Jointly targeting energy, project cargo, humanitarian aid, and military/defense logistics sectors.
- Collier AerospacecoreVirginia-based company providing HyperX computer-aided engineering software to help optimize WindRunner's composite structures for weight and manufacturability.
- Maximus AirflagshipPartnership with UAE-based cargo airline specializing in outsized cargo. Collaboration during Dubai Airshow 2025 to explore WindRunner operations and integrated logistics planning for oversized, high-value cargo transport.
- AtitechcoreStrategic collaboration with Atitech, the largest independent MRO provider in EMEA region, for maintenance, repair, and overhaul services plus engineering support for the Final Assembly Line.
- Aciturri AeronáuticacoreSpanish company leading development of WindRunner's composite tail structure (empennage). Engineering and planned manufacturing activities to support innovation in Spain and across Europe.
- Akaer EngenhariacoreBrazilian aerospace company leading development of the aircraft's pressurized cabin and supporting key systems integration.
- Astronautics Corporation of AmericacoreWisconsin-based company serving as developer and lead integrator of WindRunner's avionics systems and cybersecurity.
- Element Materials TechnologycoreUK-based company deploying Digital and Design Engineering teams to support design and integration of WindRunner's fuel system.
- Ingenium TechnologiescoreIllinois-based engineering services company developing WindRunner's high-lift control system.
- MAGROUP Magnaghi AerospacecoreMAGROUP developing the landing system for WindRunner aircraft. Italian aerospace company with over 85 years of experience and 20,000+ landing gear systems delivered.
- LeonardoflagshipLeonardo developing the fuselage for WindRunner aircraft. Major Italian aerospace company with deep experience in aircraft structures.
- AernnovacoreAernnova partnering on development of the aircraft's wing and engine pylons. Spanish aerostructures company and Tier 1 supplier to major aircraft manufacturers.
- AFuzioncoreAFuzion providing safety and certification consulting for WindRunner, supporting the aircraft's progression through the certification process using DO-254, AC 20-152A compliance.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights7 records
Radia competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Lockheed Martin (C-5 and C-17 programs): Manufactures the C-5M Super Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster III — the primary U.S. strategic airlift fleet. Broad incumbent in defense heavy-lift with overlapping customer base but smaller cargo volume than WindRunner.
- Boeing (747-8F and Dreamlifter): Manufactures and supports the 747-8F freighter and 747 Dreamlifter used for outsized cargo. Boeing is a broader incumbent in commercial aerospace, providing large cargo capability at significantly smaller volume than WindRunner.
Regional players
- Heavylift Cargo Airlines: Australia-headquartered heavy-lift operator serving the Asia-Pacific region with An-124 charters. Comparable niche business model focused on oversized industrial and aerospace cargo, primarily in a different geography than Radia's initial deployments.
Direct peers
- Airbus Beluga (Airbus Transport International): Operates the Beluga and BelugaXL — purpose-built oversized cargo aircraft for aerospace component transport. Comparable mission profile and customer overlap, though internally focused on Airbus parts movement rather than third-party charter.
- Volga-Dnepr Airlines: Operates a fleet of An-124-100 and Boeing 747-8F aircraft for outsized and project cargo globally. Competes head-to-head with Radia's intended WindRunner service across energy, aerospace, and humanitarian verticals.
- Antonov Airlines: Operates the An-124, the largest commercial heavy-lift cargo aircraft currently in service (1,160 m³ volume). Direct competitor in the oversized air cargo market that WindRunner targets, with overlapping defense, aerospace, and humanitarian customer bases.
- Maximus Air Cargo: UAE-based cargo airline specializing in outsized and project cargo using Antonov and Ilyushin aircraft. Existing WindRunner program partner and direct competitor in the Middle East and global heavy-lift charter market.
- Airbus Defence and Space (A400M): Manufactures the A400M tactical airlifter used by European and allied militaries for outsized cargo. WindRunner's defense positioning targets complementary missions where A400M lacks sufficient volume.
Emerging players
- Cavok Air: Operates An-12 and 737 freighters for outsized and time-sensitive cargo. Smaller-scale regional player in the same niche market WindRunner intends to disrupt.
- SNC (Sierra Nevada Corporation): U.S. defense contractor developing and modifying special-mission aircraft, including cargo and ISR variants. Relevant as an emerging aerospace platform developer with overlapping defense customer relationships and capability profile.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Radia social profiles
Digital presenceRadia compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Radia financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Radia leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles22 records
Radia funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds3 records
Investors7 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Radia M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Radia
What does Radia do?
Radia develops and operates the WindRunner, the world's largest cargo aircraft by volume, purpose-built to transport oversized payloads such as 105m wind turbine blades, fully assembled military helicopters and fighter jets, rocket boosters, and large industrial equipment. The company sells oversized air transport capacity under a transport-as-a-service model to commercial operators, governments, defense departments, and humanitarian organizations, rather than selling the aircraft itself. Target operations include wind energy logistics, defense airlift, aerospace component delivery, and disaster relief cargo transport.
Is Radia a public or private company?
Radia is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was Radia founded?
Radia was founded in 2016. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Radia based?
Radia is headquartered in Boulder, United States, in the North America region.
How does Radia make money?
One revenue line is on record: transport-as-a-Service.
Who are Radia's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Lockheed Martin (C-5 and C-17 programs) and Boeing (747-8F and Dreamlifter). Heavylift Cargo Airlines is listed as a regional player. Direct peers are Airbus Beluga (Airbus Transport International), Volga-Dnepr Airlines, Antonov Airlines, Maximus Air Cargo and Airbus Defence and Space (A400M). Emerging players are Cavok Air and SNC (Sierra Nevada Corporation).
Does Radia have an API?
No public API is recorded for Radia.
What industry is Radia in?
Radia's product category is Heavy-lift air cargo services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMABAAAH, Special-Mission Fixed-Wing Aircraft Manufacturing (ISR, AEW&C, Patrol), with a secondary code of THABAEAG, Heavy-Lift & Outsize Cargo Airlines. Its NAICS code is 336411 and its SIC code is 3721.