Airlander 10, the world’s largest aircraft, has completed its maiden voyage – a lap around Cardington airfield – before landing safely.
Hybrid Air Vehicles has successfully concluded the first test flight of Airlander 10, the world’s largest aircraft. The colossal airship, which measures in at 302 feet from end to end, secured its first lap around Cardington airport in the United Kingdom.
Airlander 10 – also known as ‘The Flying Butt’ for its rather odd resemblance to a certain area of human anatomy – was originally designed for US surveillance efforts. Now, Hybrid Air Vehicles, its manufacturer, hopes to make 10 such airships per year by 2021.
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The airship will stay aloft in the sky for five days in at a time; making it ideal for communications, reconnaissance, and even long-haul passenger flights.
The model is tipped to be not only quieter than regular aircraft, but further produces less pollution, as well.
The airship will cost around $33 million USD to produce, making this an expensive effort. Hybrid Air Vehicles, however, envision that Airlander 10 could be used to deliver aid and fuel relief efforts to various regions around the globe.
Stephen McGlennan, CEO of Hybrid Air Vehicles, cite that the airship “is a mixture of airplane technology, airship technology and helicopter technology… The engines come from a company that is now owned by a large Chinese company. And we are also talking to some of the major Chinese technological companies who have a focus in aerospace, trying to find ways in which we can bring this technology into China and across markets where Chinese companies have many interests.”
The aircraft is slated to see further tests; the vessel will be capable of travelling at speeds of 100 kilometers per hour.
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What are your thoughts? Could Airlander 10 re-kindle the romance of air travel? Be sure to let us know your opinion in the comments below!
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