And we officially have lift off! Hybrid Air Vehicles’ highly-anticipated aircraft, Airlander 10 has officially made its first maiden voyage from Cardington Sheds in Bedfordshire. This news comes just a few days after the company had to reschedule the launch due to technical difficulties.
Hybrid Air Vehicles took to their Twitter to share more details and pictures of the company’s big moment:
How brilliant is this? Testament to a GREAT British innovation and an amazing small company. @businessisgreatpic.twitter.com/kKt9eQuheP
— Hybrid Air Vehicles (@AirVehicles) August 17, 2016
Medal winning performance? First flight of world’s largest aircraft today created by British company #teamgb pic.twitter.com/dkJWULPU12
— Hybrid Air Vehicles (@AirVehicles) August 17, 2016
BBC Three Counties also released a video of the Airlander’s flight:
Airlander 10 makes maiden voyage from Cardington Sheds in Bedfordshire. pic.twitter.com/Z4tN8Gnj5z
— BBC Three Counties (@BBC3CR) August 17, 2016
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. The Airlander 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.
Have a crowdfunding offering you'd like to share? Submit an offering for consideration using our Submit a Tip form and we may share it on our site!