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Worlds Largest Aircraft 'Sponsored' By 863 (Thurston) Squadron.

Writer's picture: Andrew TuckerAndrew Tucker

R101

On this day in 1930, the world’s largest airship, the R101, crashed into a hillside north of Paris after encountering gusting winds. The R101 was based in one of the two huge hangers at Cardington airfield just off the A421 Bedford bypass.


hangers at Cardington airfield

But did you know that today's largest aircraft in the world is the Airlander 10 Hybrid Air Vehicle (HAV (hybridairvehicles.com)) also based in one of the two hangers. The second hanger has been used as a film studio for famous films such as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Star Wars, Batman, Fantastic Beasts and Harry Potter.


Airlander 10 Hybrid Air Vehicle

Prior to the Airlander's maiden flight in 2016, the Chief Engineer came to 863 (Thurston) Squadron to give a presentation and because the Squadron were 'sponsors' of Airlander 10, the Squadron's name was painted on the side of the airship for its maiden flight!


Another first for 863 (Thurston) Squadron!


The Airlander 10 is a world-leading innovation and with a 4,000 miles range it can stay airborne (manned or unmanned) for 5 days and has massive military and commercial interests, everything from being used as an ISTAR/Command & Control platform to delivering heavy loads to remote inaccessible locations to being an airborne warehouse for commercial home deliveries to luxury passenger flying and much more.



Airlander 10 Hybrid Air Vehicle inside

Slow, zero-carbon technology delivers unique capabilities to today's world of aviation.


Chocks Away!

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