Giant balloon airship is about to take off

Airlander, which is more than 91 meters long, holds enough helium gas to fill 15 Olympic pools, which will be ready for use next month.

According to Discovery News, Airlander is an initiative of the US military. After disbanding, the US military transferred the Airlander to Britain's Hybrid Air Vehicles Design and Production. This airship hybrid has become a means of supporting civilian flights.

Airlander is a balloon hybrid that is longer than 91 meters. Photo: Hybrid Air Vehicles.

Airlanders carry 48 passengers per trip, much less than conventional aircraft. In return, vehicles can move and land on any terrain, including ice, sand, and water, allowing people and goods to be transported to places where conventional aircraft are inaccessible. In addition, Airlander can fly two weeks continuously in the air at a speed of 145km / h at a height of nearly 6.100m.

Unlike other aircraft, the body of the Airlander is made of a super durable fabric, often used as a cosmonaut outfit. To reduce the risk of fire and increase durability, the fabric is covered with polyvinyl chloride, which covers all material from the airplane to the raincoat. The section in the balloon uses a mylar, a durable polymer to hold helium. When filled with helium, Airlander becomes more rigid.

Helium is lighter than air, providing 60% of the aircraft's lifting capacity. The wing shape supports the aerodynamic capabilities of the Airlander. The power of the Airlander comes from four 350 horsepower diesel engines.

According to the Hybrid Air Vehicles website, Airlander offers less noise and less carbon emissions than conventional aircraft, and has better cargo handling than any other aircraft.

Before putting the Airlander into service, engineers needed to add wings and engines to the vehicle. Then, it will join the test flight as a civil aircraft.