London: Hybrid Air Vehicles HAV 304 Airlander 10, a blimp-shaped, helium-filled airship considered the world's largest aircraft, has been damaged when it took a nosedive during its second test flight.
The 92-metre long aircraft was damaged during the flight from Cardington Airfield in Bedfordshire.
According to reports, Airlander 10 — nicknamed the “flying bum” because of its bulbous front end — has sustained damage to its cockpit when it hit the ground at about 11:00 BST.
Its developer, Hybrid Air Vehicles, said all the crew were "safe and well", reported BBC.
"The flight went really well and the only issue was when it landed," a HAV spokesman said.
Watch the video here:
The aircraft rose slowly into the air for the first time on August 17 from Cardington airfield, 73 kilometres north of London.
The Hybrid Air Vehicles says it can reach 16,000 feet (4,900 meters), travel at up to 90 mph (148 kph) and stay aloft for up to two weeks.
The Airlander is a hybrid air vehicle — part lighter-than-air blimp, part plane. It’s designed to use less fuel than a plane, but carry heavier loads than conventional airships.
