Airlander: The world’s largest aircraft could be the biggest turnaround ever experienced
Abayomi J Ojo
Integrated Marketing & PR advisor | Proven Success with Challenger Brands | Driving brand perception and growth | Emerging markets | Web3
The mighty Airlander 10 finally took to the skies on Wednesday evening, marking the debut flight of the world’s biggest aircraft.
The blimp-shaped machine, which at 302 feet (92 meters) makes it 50 feet (15 meters) longer than a jumbo jet, sailed into the air over the English county of Bedfordshire, about 40 miles north of London. Watched by hundreds of locals, the Airlander performed a 30-minute circuit of the airfield before returning safely to terra firma, ABC reported.
So why so special? Well, if its size alone isn’t enough to impress, consider its ability to stay airborne for up to two weeks at a time. Without a crew.
Combining design elements of airplanes, airships, helicopters, and hovercrafts, the Airlander, which is lifted by helium and powered by four turbocharged diesel engines, is capable of carrying cargo weighing as much as 10 tons, though future designs should boost that to 50 tons.
The ginormous contraption, which can reach heights of 16,000 feet (4,900 meters), could one day travel to all corners of the planet, capable as it is of landing on not just solid ground, but also water, desert, and ice.
This could be the turning point in the world of aviation.
Source: DigitalTrends
Presently Head, Corporate Services at Green Empire Innovation & Facilities Services Limited.
7 年Interesting contraption. Yes this can be the turning point in the world of aviation with much that has been done so far in relative to the present status. However, tests for efficiency, reliability and sustainability have to be confirmed for commercial and investments purposes.