World's largest aircraft damaged on 2nd test flight
![World's largest aircraft damaged on 2nd test flight](https://scx1.b-cdn.net/csz/news/800a/2016/1-worldslarges.jpg "The Airlander 10, is examined as it sits on the ground after a rough landing at Cardington airfield England following its second test flight on Wednesday Aug. 24, 2016. The developer of the world's largest aircraft says the blimp-shaped airship "sustained damage" after it made a bumpy landing on its second test flight . Hybrid Air Vehicles says it is trying to figure out what caused the rough landing of the 302-foot (92-meter) Airlander 10 during its flight Wednesday in Bedfordshire, north of London. (Dominic Lipinski/PA via AP)")
The developer of the world's largest aircraft says the blimp-shaped airship sustained damage after it made a bumpy landing Wednesday on its second test flight in eastern England.
Hybrid Air Vehicles said it is trying to figure out what caused the rough landing of the 302-foot (92-meter) Airlander 10 during its 100 minute flight Wednesday in Bedfordshire, north of London.
"The Airlander experienced a heavy landing and the front of the flight deck has sustained some damage, which is currently being assessed," the company said. "Both pilots and the ground crew are safe and well and the aircraft is secured and stable at its normal mooring location."
A hybrid of blimp, helicopter and airplane, the Airlander is able to stay aloft for days at a time. It is designed to use less fuel than a plane, but carry heavier loads than conventional airships.
The aircraft was initially developed for the U.S. military for use in surveillance in Afghanistan.
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This is a Aug. 17, 2016 file photo of the Airlander 10, during its maiden flight at Cardington airfield England , The Airlander 10 crashed during its second test flight in Wednesday Aug. 24, 2016, but manufacturer Hybrid Air Vehicles said no-one was injured. (Joe Giddens/PA via AP) -
The Airlander 10, is examined as it sits on the ground after a rough landing at Cardington airfield England following its second test flight on Wednesday Aug. 24, 2016. The developer of the world's largest aircraft says the blimp-shaped airship "sustained damage" after it made a bumpy landing on its second test flight . Hybrid Air Vehicles says it is trying to figure out what caused the rough landing of the 302-foot (92-meter) Airlander 10 during its flight Wednesday in Bedfordshire, north of London. (Dominic Lipinski/PA via AP)
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