The Airlander flying over Bedfordshire (Image: SWNS)
The world’s largest aircraft could become even bigger after its owner announced plans to produce a craft nearly 400ft long.
HAV (Hybrid Air Vehicles), who are developing the Airlander 10, have said that in the future they want to create a version capable of carrying a 200-tonne payload, one which would enable it to carry wind turbine blades.
Such an engineering achievement would enable HAV to out-carry Airbus whose A380 can carry a payload of up to 84-tonnes.
The announcement of their intention to potentially build such a heavyweight of the skies comes off the back of around £2bn in orders from firms looking to utilise the Airlander 10 to carry passengers and cargo.
The Airlander 10 in 2016 (Image: Getty)
Speaking to about the aircraft’s potential, HAV’s chief executive Tom Grundy said the Airlander 10 benefits from being faster than most forms of transport on the ground, but less intrusive than those in the air because it does not need a massive runway to take off and land from.
He explained: “It doesn’t have to be stuck going between today’s airports. It can go into different places. And yet it’s faster than moving around the world over the surface.
“It’s faster than those ferry journeys. It can often be faster than a train journey, very often faster than a car journey. So providing this middle option.”
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The inside of the Airlander 10 (Image: Getty)
What’s more, the Airlander has attracted attention and orders from around the world with airline Air Nostrum stating it will buy 20 to ferry passengers between Mediterranean islands and Grands Espaces intending to use them in the Artic circle.
Furthermore, the British based and developed flying machine has already endeared itself to the wider public after it was given the nickname ‘The Flying Bum’ soon after it was revealed.
As well as proving Britain’s ability to produce innovative flying products, the Airlander could boost the country’s economy after it decided to make Doncaster its home base.
The Airlander on a previous test flight (Image: Roger Skillin / SWNS.com)
Speaking about what HAV’s Airlander could do for the Yorkshire economy, Mayor of Doncaster Ros Jones said: “Their presence in the city is an exciting first step in the next generation of air technology bringing the highly anticipated Airlander 10 to life at Carcroft Common.
“This development will bring substantial investment and create highly skilled job opportunities, further strengthening Doncaster’s position as a hub for innovation and industry.”
The Mayor of South Yorkshire Oliver Coppard added: “We are creating a world leading centre for sustainable aviation here in South Yorkshire. I have already committed to doing what we can to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport, creating a sustainable aviation hub at the centre of sustainable air travel.”