Airlander 10 has rough landing
Just days after its widely publicized debut, Hybrid Air Vehicles’ “gargantuan conjoined albino bananas on steroids” and “butt-shaped blimp” fell flat on its bum – well, on its nose, to be more accurate.
The cockpit, situated below the two elongated globes that buoy the aircraft, sustained damage but Hybrid Air Vehicles hopes to asses and repair the damage as soon as possible. Both pilots and the ground crew are unharmed and the aircraft is secured and stable at its normal mooring location, the company said.
“The Airlander experienced a heavy landing and the front of the flight deck has sustained some damage, which is currently being assessed,” read a statement by Hybrid Air Vehicles. “Hybrid Air Vehicles runs a robust set of procedures for flight-test activities and investigation of issues. We will be running through these in the days ahead as we continue the development of the Airlander aircraft. Further updates will follow in due course.”
The aircraft’s shape has led the media to nickname it the “flying bum.” Its owners don’t appear to be too bummed out however, with a spokesman explaining to the BBC that, “the flight went really well and the only issue was when it landed.”
The U.S. Department of Defense originally developed the Airlander 10 as a surveillance craft, but pulled out in 2013.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkYbw4R_-RQ
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