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The world's largest aircraft has been retired after six test flights, as its developers prepare to build a new, commercial model to take to the skies in the early 2020s.
The prototype Airlander 10, a hybrid helium airship built by Hybrid Air Vehicles, based in Bedfordshire in central England, measures 300 feet in length -- and has been dubbed the "flying bum" due to its unfortunate shape.
Its "luxury" variant was formally unveiled at the Farnborough Airshow in the UK in July, after a development process that was hit by some high-profile setbacks -- including a crash landing on its second flight.
Hybrid Air Vehicles will now begin work on the production version of the prototype, having secured approved from the UK's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
originally posted by: 2Faced
I've always considered airships and zeppelins to be the most fragile (combustible) butterflies of the aviation industry.
originally posted by: paraphi
originally posted by: 2Faced
I've always considered airships and zeppelins to be the most fragile (combustible) butterflies of the aviation industry.
In the case of Airlander (as per the OP), the gas and fabric are not flammable. Doing a bit of of research as the origins were military, it is said bullets would not cause too much grief, and missiles would just pass through it.
To the OP. I think airships like this have a future commercially, and not just luxury cruising - just got to get it right.
originally posted by: 2Faced
I've always considered airships and zeppelins to be the most fragile (combustible) butterflies of the aviation industry. They should have at least a couple of decades of intense commercial use, to build a track record of utter dependability and safety before I would ever set foot in one.
originally posted by: mikell
I see them replacing huge cranes for heavy high one off lifts. Make a huge AC unit and deliver it from your factory to high rise roof in one lift. Maybe one on each coast and they could cover the inland of the US. Delivering mining or other heavy equipment to the far north, south, east or west.
the biggest issue with an airship is it's inherent slow speed. so i'm not sure how it could really compete with other modes of transportation for things like freight.