Following the unexpected delay of Airlander 10’s maiden voyage, Hybrid Air Vehicles announced on Wednesday that the highly-anticipated aircraft is almost ready for its first flight.
As previously reported, Airlander 10 is described as a wing-shaped aircraft that can fly for up to five days at a time if manned, and for over two weeks unmanned. The aircraft can also reach speeds of 100 mph, propelled by its wing-shaped design, four engines and the 38,000 m3 of helium in its hull. The helium also gives it structure–it maintains its shape because of to the pressure stabilization of the helium inside the hull, and the smart and strong Vectran material that the aircraft is made of.
Last year, the London-based company launched its first equity crowdfunding campaign on Crowdcube to raise £2 million for the Airlander. During the funding round, the company successfully raised 2.1 million and then returned to the crowdfunding platform nearly one year later and raised an additional £1.2 million.
Last week, chief executive of Hybrid Air Vehicles, Stephen McGlennan, stated the Airlander experienced a “slight technical issue” and there was no time to fix the issue before nightfall. The company also revealed on Twitter.
During pre-flight checks yesterday a technical issue prevented flight in the available time. We are currently resolving this – will update.
— Hybrid Air Vehicles (@AirVehicles) August 15, 2016
The company offered some updates on the aircraft’s upcoming launch on Twitter this afternoon. Check them out below.
All engines on. Final decision on whether to fly likely to be just before 6:30pm. pic.twitter.com/YM1duIC0EA
— Hybrid Air Vehicles (@AirVehicles) August 17, 2016
Airlander just given the go ahead to move to its pre-take-off holding point.
— Hybrid Air Vehicles (@AirVehicles) August 17, 2016
Hooking up the tractor to Airlander to tow it into position.
— Hybrid Air Vehicles (@AirVehicles) August 17, 2016
Great atmosphere at Cardington. Should be on BBC Look East – maybe even live! pic.twitter.com/wrJOYGKUCL
— Hybrid Air Vehicles (@AirVehicles) August 17, 2016
Reversing into final position ready for take-off. #Airlander #preparefortakeoff
— Hybrid Air Vehicles (@AirVehicles) August 17, 2016
Final pre take-off checks. We’ll be going through them slowly and methodically. And pilots will only fly if safe. https://t.co/2aVxXUhjmN
— Hybrid Air Vehicles (@AirVehicles) August 17, 2016
Not long now.. Takeoff position! #Airlander pic.twitter.com/nVzF4rrWCL
— Hybrid Air Vehicles (@AirVehicles) August 17, 2016
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