At 19.45pm on Wednesday 17th of August, residents of Bedfordshire might have been mistaken for thinking the aliens were invading. What they were in fact witnessing was the enormous white bulk of the hybrid aircraft, Airlander 10, making it’s historic maiden voyage from Cardington Airfield.
For around 15 minutes the helium filled Airlander 10, silently rose into the air and flew within a 6 mile area of the airfield powered by four massive (but quiet) engines. Manned by two test pilots, the Airlander 10 reached a height of 500 ft, a speed of 35 knots, and easily met its test objectives of a safe take off, flight and landing.
Of it’s first trip out of the hanger, Chief Test Pilot Dave Burns said, “It was a privilege to fly the Airlander for the first time and it flew wonderfully. I’m really excited about getting it airbourne. It flew like a dream”.
This first flight marks the start of of Airlander 10’s Flight Test Programme, expected to last for a number of months. This will be followed with a series of Trials and Demonstrations with what’s expected to be a large number of prospective customers. Demand is already high, particularly in the defense and security sector, with much interest in how this innovative new type of aircraft will push forward the aviation industry.
With excellent green credentials, a stable platform with huge amounts of power and space for search and rescue, or communications equipment, as well as offering a completely unique passenger experience – the Airlander, who counts Bruce Dickinson among it’s investors, looks set to change the world of aviation for ever.
Further information
The Airlander Club http://www.hybridairvehicles.com/airlander-club
Airlander Investment Opportunities http://www.hybridairvehicles.com/about-us/invest-in-us
Hybrid Air Vehicles http://www.hybridairvehicles.com
