Airlander 10 ends test flight with 'heavy landing'
Airlander 10 has had an inauspicious end to its second test flight with a ‘heavy landing’ at its base in Cardington in Bedfordshire.
The prototype aircraft had flown for 100 minutes on and completed all its scheduled tasks before returning to Cardington to land.
Hybrid Air Vehicles, the company responsible for Airlander 10, said the prototype ‘experienced a heavy landing and the front of the flight deck has sustained some damage, which is currently being assessed.’
Both pilots and the ground crew are said to be safe and well and the aircraft is secured and stable at its normal mooring location.
Media reports had suggested that the crash landing had been caused after Airlander struck a power line outside the airfield. Hybrid Air Vehicles confirmed in a statement today that a mooring line attached to Airlander did come into contact a power line outside the airfield, but that the event did not contribute to the heavy landing.
“Airlander sustained damage on landing during today's flight. No damage was sustained mid-air or as a result of a telegraph pole as reported,” the company said via Twitter.
Register now to continue reading
Thanks for visiting The Engineer. You’ve now reached your monthly limit of news stories. Register for free to unlock unlimited access to all of our news coverage, as well as premium content including opinion, in-depth features and special reports.
Benefits of registering
-
In-depth insights and coverage of key emerging trends
-
Unrestricted access to special reports throughout the year
-
Daily technology news delivered straight to your inbox
Experts speculate over cause of Iberian power outages
I´m sure politicians will be thumping tables and demanding answers - while Professor Bell, as reported above, says ´wait for detailed professional...