Airlander 10 damaged during its second test flight
The company is still trying to figure out the cause for the 302 foot long rough landing.
World’s largest aircraft, the Airlander 10, according to Hybrid Air Vehicles has sustained damage after the aircraft made a rough landing during its second test flight in England.The company is still trying to find the cause for the 302 foot long rough landing.
The blimp shaped aircraft uses less fuel and is capable of carrying more loads then other conventional aircrafts. The British firm Hybrid Air vehicles (HAV) have designed the craft to stay airborne for up to three weeks using helium and the vessel is able to travel at a speed of 92mph.
“Crew are safe and well and there are no injuries.” “Airlander sustained damage on landing during today’s flight. No damage was sustained mid-air or as a result of a telegraph pole as reported,” Company’s Facebook post reads. “We’re debriefing following the second test flight this morning. All crew are safe and well and there are no injuries.”
As it is heavier than air, the Airlander 10 is able to land without tethers on a variety of surfaces, including water and ice. It was first developed in 2009 for the US government as a long-endurance surveillance aircraft but its manufacture was hindered by defence cut-backs.
The firm is hoping to build 12 Airlanders a year by 2018, some of which can be used as passenger aircraft able to carry up to 48 people at a time, according to BBC reports.