The world’s largest aircraft, the 302ft Airlander 10 blimp, leaves its hangar for the first time
The airship enjoyed its first ever outing in Cardington, Beds
THE biggest aircraft in the world – dubbed the ‘Flying Bum’ – has been let out of its hangar for the first time.
The 302ft-long Airlander 10 blimp was unleashed from its home in Cardington, Beds, at 4am this morning.
The craft earned its nickname from its comical appearance.
And local residents who were up early this morning would have caught a glimpse of the cheeky blimp on its first ever outing.
The bum was inspected by 50 employees who gathered outside the airfield in the middle of the night to watch it being tested.
And there was a strong 24-hour security presence to prevent trespassers from interfering with it.
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It took 10 years and £25million to develop and build the craft, which is around 50ft longer than the biggest passenger plane.
It was first developed as a surveillance aircraft for the US government, but the project was scrapped.
It is designed to stay airborne for up to five days at a time and will be able to withstand wind speeds of up to 85 knots.
Technical director Mike Durham said: “Last week we successfully completed our final in-hangar all engines, all generators, all systems testing.
“My thanks to the whole business for getting us here.
“The entire team is looking forward to the final series of tests outside before taking to the skies for the first time.
“It was a very smooth first journey for Airlander and she behaved beautifully.
“We're delighted to have reached this significant milestone.”
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