World’s largest aircraft gets ready for take-off: 300ft-long Airlander 10 is put through its final preparations ahead of next month’s flight
- Airlander 10 was originally developed as part of a US Army project which was then abandoned in 2012
- A British company is now converting the aircraft – a cross between an airship and an aeroplane – into civilian use
- It recently took off inside its hangar in Bedfordshire for the first time so engineers could add the finishing touches
- Engines and fins are being fitted this week and the 300-ft (93 metre) craft will make its debut test flight next month
By VICTORIA WOOLLASTON FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 05:10 EST, 9 February 2016 | UPDATED: 05:54 EST, 9 February 2016
*** begin quote ***
Three years since work began on the Airlander 10, engineers are putting the final touches on the giant aircraft described as ‘part plane, part helicopter.’
The 300ft-long (93 metres) Airlander was originally developed as part of a US Army project but was scrapped by military bosses. It is now being converted to provide business and leisure flights in a hangar in Cardington, Bedfordshire.
The vessel was filled with 1.3million cubic feet of helium – enough to fill 15 Olympic-sized swimming pools -in a test run last October and now the engines and fins are being fitted ahead of next month’s flight.
*** end quote ***
Wow, some beautiful piece of work!
Speechless.
# – # – # – # – #
Reinke Faces Life 