The Airlander 10, an impressively large aircraft powered by helium, is revealed fully assembled for the first time in a massive aviation hangar near London.

This hybrid airship, known as the Airlander 10, achieves lift and flight through a combination of aerostatic and aerodynamic forces. Unlike traditional airship designs, it features an elliptical shape with a contoured and flattened hull, rather than a circular cross-section.

This deliberate shaping allows it to function as a lifting body, generating aerodynamic lift while in forward motion, similar to a conventional fixed-wing aircraft. This contributes up to half of the airship’s lift, complementing the buoyancy provided by the helium contained within the envelope. Helium, lighter than air, maintains the airship’s unique shape, with 60 to 80 percent of the aircraft’s weight supported by this gas.

The world’s largest aircraft, Airlander 10 nicknamed “the flying butt” successfully made its first flight in the UK on August 17, after a long period of improvement.

Airlander 10 successfully completed its inaugural 20-minute journey, encompassing takeoff and landing at Cardington Airport, England. Previously, the aircraft had faced technical issues, leading to the postponement of its scheduled flight on August 14.

Designed to be more fuel-efficient while accommodating larger cargo loads compared to conventional aircraft, the Airlander 10 boasts impressive capabilities. It can ascend to an altitude of 4,877 meters, achieve speeds of up to 145 km/h, and remain airborne for a remarkable two weeks.

Originally conceived as a reconnaissance aircraft for the US military, the Airlander 10 project was halted due to budget constraints. However, manufacturer Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV) highlights its versatility as a commercial vehicle, suitable for tasks such as cargo transportation and search and rescue missions.

The Airlander 10 is capable of sustained flight for up to five days with passengers onboard and ten days in an empty state. With a payload capacity of 10 tons, it can accommodate up to 48 passengers and operate at altitudes exceeding 6,000 meters. Notably, its adaptable design enables it to land on various terrains, including flat land, snow, ice, desert, and water.

The Airlander 10 is nicknamed “the flying butt” because of its unique shape.