World’s largest aircraft takes flight in August 2016
Q. What is the world’s largest aircraft launched on 17th August called?- Published on 19 Aug 16a. Airglider 10
b. Airlander 10
c. Airlifter 10
d. None of the above
ANSWER: Airlander 10
The world’s largest aircraft embarked on its maiden flight on August 17th 2016 from an airfield in Cardington, Central England.
- It is called Airlander 10 and is part plane part airship.
- Successful flight comes after another airship R101 took off in 1930 killing 48 people on board in a crash in France and halting the development of airships in Britain for years.
- Airlander 10 also developed originally for the US army as a surveillance aircraft, the 92 metre long aircraft also has potential uses in the commercial sector such as carrying cargo according to makers Hybrid Air Vehicles.
- The firm has described Airlander as the largest aircraft currently flying receiving the British government grant of USD 3.7 million to develop the project.
- Airlander 10 hybrid airship can fly up to 4880 metres and reach speeds of 148 kilometres per hour according to HAV.
- Filled with helium, it can stay airborne for more than two weeks unmanned and up to 5 days if manned.
- HAV CEO is currently Stephen McGlennan and the aircraft was cheaper and greener than helicopter technology.
