World’s longest aircraft damaged during test flight
The world’s longest aircraft – the Airlander 10 – was damaged after landing on its nose during a test flight in Bedfordshire.
The £25 million 302ft (92m) long aircraft – which is part plane and part airship – is understood to have sustained damage to its cockpit when it hit the ground as it landed at Cardington Airfield.
Hybrid Air Vehicles, the developer, said the crew were all safe and that the flight had gone ‘really well’.
It hopes to have 10 of the aircraft operational by 2021. It claims they could be used for a number of purposes, including passenger travel.
The firm claims the aircraft will be able to stay in the air for about five days during manned flights.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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