World's largest aircraft leaves its hangar for the first time (photos)

UK: The world's largest aircraft the Airlander 10, also known as the 'Flying Bum', a part-plane and part-airship left its hangar Cardington, Bedfordshire for the first on Saturday. The 92 metres long aircraft which is pumped with a million cubic feet of helium was built at the cost of£25 million in the space of 10 years. 

The aircraft which will go on its first flight later this month will commence a brief series of ground systems tests.

The 302ft long aircraft is about 50ft larger than the biggest passenger jets.

The Airlander has formally been granted permission by both European Aviation Safety Agency and the UK Civil Aviation Authority to conduct its first series of flight tests.

Project technical director, Mike Durham, said: 

'Last week we successfully completed our final in-hangar all engines, all generators, all systems testing.

'My thanks to the whole business for getting us here. The entire team is looking forward to the final series of tests outside before taking to the skies for the first time.

'It was a very smooth first journey for Airlander and she behaved beautifully. We're delighted to have reached this significant milestone.' 

The aircraft christened the Martha Gwyn in April after the wife of Hybrid Air Vehicles chairman Philip Gwyn, will need series of tests be conducted.

Airlander 10 is designed to stay airborne for up to five days at a time to fulfill a wide range of communication and survey roles, as well as carrying cargo and tourist passenger flights.