The world's largest aircraft successfully took off for the first time
The world's largest aircraft worth 33 million USD, nicknamed "the flying butt", successfully completed its first journey in the sky after a long period of improvement in the UK.
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According toLive Science, the 92m long Airlander 10 is a hybrid between an airplane, a helicopter and a hot air balloon. Airlander 10 took off from Cardington Airport in Bedfordshire yesterday evening. Photographers and fans gathered at the airport to watch Airlander 10 take off. Photo:AFP. |
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"This is a flying vehicle with parts of a fixed-wing aircraft, a helicopter and a balloon," said Stephen McGlennan, CEO of Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV). The Airlander 10 is designed to use less fuel but carry more cargo than a conventional plane. According to HAV, the aircraft can reach an altitude of 4,877 m, travel at speeds of up to 145 km/h and stay in the air for two weeks. Photo:AFP. |
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The US military initially developed the aircraft for reconnaissance in Afghanistan. But the US program was suspended in 2013. HAV, a small British aviation company, then raised funding from the government and individuals to improve the Airlander 10. Photo:Reuters. |
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The Airlander uses helium, a non-flammable fuel. Yesterday's flight took place a few days after a test flight scheduled for August 14 was postponed at the last minute due to technical problems. Photo: Reuters. |
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The development team waited for light winds to take off, but according to McGlennan, the Airlander 10 can operate well in winds of 90 mph. Photo:AP. |
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"This aircraft can operate similarly to a helicopter, which is to carry people and goods in the air without needing a runway. In addition to traveling long distances, the aircraft is also cheaper and cleaner," said McGlennan. Photo:AFP. |
According to VNE
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