The world's longest aircraft completed its maiden flight on Wednesday as it took off from Bedford, 96 kilometers north of London.
The Airlander 10, part plane and part airship, took off at 7:40 p.m.
local time from the Cardington Airfield, spending nearly two hours in
the sky.
The 25 million pounds (32 million US dollars) aircraft, nicknamed “the flying bum” because of the unusual shape of its rear end, measures 92 meters long, which is around 15 meters longer than the biggest passenger jets.
The aircraft’s first flight was initially scheduled for Sunday but was postponed due to a technical problem.
Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV), the British company that funded the aircraft, said the technology combines the best characteristics of fixed wing aircraft and helicopters to create a new breed of hyper-efficient aircraft.
The Airlander 10 can be used for various functions, including carrying cargo, military and commercial surveillance, and has a significantly lower carbon footprint than other forms of air transport, said the company.
(Adapted from Reuters)
The 25 million pounds (32 million US dollars) aircraft, nicknamed “the flying bum” because of the unusual shape of its rear end, measures 92 meters long, which is around 15 meters longer than the biggest passenger jets.
The aircraft’s first flight was initially scheduled for Sunday but was postponed due to a technical problem.
Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV), the British company that funded the aircraft, said the technology combines the best characteristics of fixed wing aircraft and helicopters to create a new breed of hyper-efficient aircraft.
The Airlander 10 can be used for various functions, including carrying cargo, military and commercial surveillance, and has a significantly lower carbon footprint than other forms of air transport, said the company.
(Adapted from Reuters)