The Airlander 10 by Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV) has exited its hangar at Cardington Airfield, UK, to undergo a short series of ground systems tests before its maiden flight.

Known to be the biggest aircraft in the world, Airlander 10 has received permission from both European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to conduct its first series of flight tests.

Currently at its customised masting site, the hybrid aircraft has already completed a series of in-hangar tests.

The date of Airlander 10’s first flight is yet to be disclosed.

HAV technical director Mike Durham said: “Last week, we successfully completed our final in-hangar all engines, all generators, all systems testing.

"It was a very smooth first journey for Airlander and she behaved beautifully."

The company noted that it took around five minutes for the Airlander to clear the hangar and another 30 minutes to be towed to rest at its primary mast site due to the size of the aircraft.

Durham added: "It was a very smooth first journey for Airlander and she behaved beautifully. We're delighted to have reached this significant milestone.”

During its stay on the mast, Airlander will be able to endure wind speeds of up to 85k and undergo its last phase of tests, including full power engine runs, electromagnetic interference checks and a final overall vehicle systems checkout.

The results will be evaluated by the HAV team before taking a final decision on whether or not to take the aircraft back to the hangar for final inspections.

HAV has employed new aerospace technology, which combines both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters with lighter-than-air technology, to develop Airlander.

Image: Airlander 10 at its mast site. Photo: courtesy of Hybrid Air Vehicles.