Hybrid Air Vehicles Airlander 10
Hybrid Air Vehicles · United Kingdom · first flew 2016 · transport aircraft
The Airlander 10 is a unique hybrid air vehicle — part airship, part aeroplane — that generates lift from both its helium-filled hull and aerodynamic surfaces. At 92 m long it is the world's largest aircraft by volume.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 4 × turbofan, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 92 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | No tailplane |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- World's largest aircraft by volume — hybrid airship/aircraft
- Distinctive double-lobe helium hull 92 m long
- Four vectoring diesel/turbofan propulsors on hull sides
Instantly recognisable by its enormous double-lobed hull resembling two elongated blimps side by side, four swivelling propulsors, and a gondola/flight deck slung beneath the forward hull.
Specifications
- The Hybrid Air Vehicles Airlander 10 has a length of 92 m (302 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 50 m (164 ft).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Originally developed for the US Army as the Long Endurance Multi-Intelligence Vehicle (LEMV), the programme was cancelled and the airframe returned to the UK. Hybrid Air Vehicles re-acquired and redesigned it as the Airlander 10, conducting its first flight at Cardington in August 2016. The programme suffered a tail strike incident in 2016 but has since been rebuilt and continued development. HAV plans a passenger transport version.
Variants
The Airlander 50 is a planned larger cargo variant; the Airlander 10 P is a planned passenger version.
Where you'll see it
The Airlander 10 is in continued development and test; it has not entered commercial service as of 2025.
Related aircraft
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