Famously referred to as "flying bum," "butt aircraft," and "Kim Kardashian" due to its resemblance of the human rear, the Airlander 10, the world's largest aircraft is set to take off once again to the skies after a severe crash last year in Bedfordshire. The manufacturer, Hybrid Air Vehicles, have announced that they have restored and rebuilt the damages when it hit a power line upon its test flight in August 2016.
One can describe the features of the aircraft as half airship, half helicopter and blimp-like in nature. But one thing's for sure: it looks like a bum. It costs £25m for the manufacturer to have it developed, only to have it seen crashing on land and bringing massive damage to its cockpits - which are said to be bigger than six double-decker buses.
A spokesman for the company told The Telegraph that the deck instrument panels, consoles, and wirings had been reinstalled effectively after weeks of preparation. Large sections of the aircraft have been moved and put into place as well.
"With the equipment installed, 'power-on' has been achieved and on-aircraft testing has now begun," the representative said. The Airlander 10 travels at a speed of up to 92mph, using helium to take flight.
The loving "butt aircraft" does not need a runway as it can depart and launch vertically from the ground. Moreover, it can stay up for five days on the air throughout its manned flights.
If the flight is successful and would be commercialized, the aircraft can be used for communications, aid delivery, surveillance or travel purposes. Once it has established itself in the market, there's a possibility that the company will develop what they call the 'Airlander 50.'
The Airlander 50 will be larger than the Airlander 10 and is yet to be seen. But the company points out that it will be made lifting heavy cargo.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
