The world's largest aircraft is about to take its first flight.

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

The Airlander 10, which cost approximately $32.6 million to build, is 92 meters long and has been inflated with about 38,000 cubic meters of helium. This hybrid airship has just left its hangar in Cardington, Bedfordshire, England, to undergo a series of tests before its planned maiden flight later this month.

Reportedly, the Airlander 10 was initially developed by the US government as a reconnaissance aircraft, but the plan was later halted due to defense budget cuts.

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

Currently, the Airlander 10 has officially received permission from the European Aviation Safety Agency and the UK Civil Aviation Authority to conduct a series of test flights in the near future.

The project's technical director, Mike Durham, said: “We have successfully completed the engine, systems and generator tests. The entire team is looking forward to the final field tests before the aircraft's first flight. We are thrilled to have reached this milestone.”

By design, the Airlander 10 can remain airborne for up to five consecutive days to fulfill a range of roles including communications, surveying, and transporting cargo and passengers.

According to NLĐ