The world's largest plane is about to take off for the first time

The world's largest aircraft, called Airlander 10, has left its hangar for the first time after a 10-year development process.

The Airlander 10, which cost around $32.6 million to build, is 92 metres long and is filled with around 38,000 cubic metres of helium. The hybrid aircraft has just left its hangar in Cardington, Bedfordshire, England, to undergo a series of tests before its first test flight is scheduled for later this month.

It is known that the Airlander 10 was originally developed by the US government as a spy plane but the plan was later stopped due to defense budget cuts.

A close-up of the world's largest airship hybrid aircraft. Photo: South Beds News Agency, Geoff Robinson, PA.

Currently, Airlander 10 has been officially approved by the European Aviation Safety Agency and the UK Civil Aviation Authority to conduct a series of test flights in the coming time.

“We have successfully completed engine, system and generator tests and the team is looking forward to final outdoor testing before the aircraft takes off for the first time. We are delighted to have reached this milestone,” said Mike Durham, project technical director.

By design, the Airlander 10 can stay in the air for five consecutive days to fulfill a variety of roles including communications, surveying, as well as carrying cargo and passengers.

According to NLĐ