Hydbrid Air Vehicles has revealed the production-ready design of its Airlander 10 ? and said the aircraft once fondly known as "the Flying Bum" might go electric in the near future.
Part plane, part airship, the Airlander 10 is the world's largest aircraft. It went viral during its early testing phase in 2016, when its bulbous shape earned it its memorable nickname.
Three-and-a-half years later, the craft is ready for production. Hydbrid Air Vehicles (HAV) has revealed images of the final design, which it says is more streamlined and efficient than the prototype.
Whether by design or coincidence, those refinements also seem to have lessened its resemblance to an airborne bottom.

As well as the "fuel-saving, lower-drag shape", HAV says the Airlander 10 has enhanced landing gear and a wider, longer cabin, so it can carry more passengers or cargo. It also promises 75 per cent fewer emissions than "comparable aircraft".
However, HAV has greener aviation in its sights; it is developing an electric propulsion system with the company Collins Aerospace and the University of Nottingham, so a future version of the Airlander could be zero-carbon.

HAV says the first Airlander 10s to roll off the production line will go to organisations in the tourism and clean-technology sectors, with whom they are currently in negotiations. The British company will manufacture four aircraft initially.
It suggests that with the cabin customised for passengers, the vehicl...