COOL STUFF

Go on a trip on board the world’s largest flying machine.

Hop on board an airship of the future.

Take a good look at Airlander, hailed as a revolutionary way to fly without harming the environment. Does it look familiar? A century ago, giant airships sailed the skies taking passengers on the first long-distance flights across oceans and between continents. They were filled with gases that are lighter than air but fixed-winged aircraft eventually proved safer and faster. This upgraded design is now aiming to bring airships back.

At 92 metres long, Airlander is 15 metres longer than a “jumbo jet” passenger airliner, making it the longest aircraft ever. A top speed of 90mph means that Airlander flights will take much longer than a jet-powered flight. However, they will be much greener and burn far less fuel than jet engines, emitting just a quarter of the carbon emissions that harm the environment.

Another big advantage is that Airlander does not need a runway – it can take off and land on any flat area that’s big enough. It can also hover like a helicopter and carry cargo. The latest model, known as Airlander 10, lifts 10 tonnes and can stay aloft for five days without needing to land. An even bigger Airlander 50 is being planned, which will be able to carry 200 passengers. Airlander’s makers hope that their airship might replace passenger ferries and may one day carry important cargo, like medicines, to remote parts of the world.

Double skin An outer layer of Kevlar (a material used in bullet-proof vests) protects the airship from rips. The inner layer of the skin is made from a flexible plastic that prevents helium gas from leaking out. Fins The tail fins and small side wings keep the airship stable and stop it from rolling or swinging from side to side as it flies. Propeller engines Giant wing Airlander’s shape acts like a wing. As it flies, air flowing around the body generates a lifting force that keeps the airship aloft. Airlander has two engines at the back and one each side. The rear ones push the craft forward and create lift. Swivelling side engines can help to steer. By 2030, the engines will be all-electric. Skids The pilot inflates long skids either side of the cabin for landing. Once in the air, these are deflated to let the airship fly faster. Cabin Passengers travel in a cabin slung beneath the airship. The pilot’s cockpit is at the front of the cabin.

Lightweight structure Secret ingredient The airship is filled with helium – a gas that is lighter than air. Helium floats upwards in air, so it reduces the Airlander’s weight and allows it to get off the ground at low speeds when fully loaded. The aircraft is engineered from strong and light carbon fibre to reduce weight. Internal chambers The hull is divided into a total of six interior compartments. These can be sealed in an emergency to prevent helium escaping.

An illustration of Airlander 10’s plush cabin.