Helium fill and floatation mark new milestones for Airlander's return to flight

Hybrid Air Vehicles’ Airlander is a 92m long platform that combines the characteristics of fixed wing aircraft and helicopters with lighter-than-air technology.

The helium fill and floatation of the world’s largest aircraft mark another step toward return to flight for Airlander, which is housed in a former airship hangar in Cardington, Bedfordshire.

Airlander was moved the length of the 248m hangar to get to the building’s front doors, a procedure that involved four fork lift trucks at each corner of the aircraft, each carrying a 2-tonne block of cement and restraining rope.

Airlander’s engines, fins and Mission Module will be now be finalised and integrated onto the aircraft during November and December. From early 2016 a series of ground tests will take place inside and outside the hangar ready for first flight during the first quarter of 2016.

“Seeing the Airlander come to life and floating was simply breath-taking,” saidMike Durham HAV’s technical director. “This is a key moment for the UK’s aerospace industry in getting this unique aircraft ready for flight.”