UK-based Hybrid Air Vehicles is attaching the fins and engines to its Airlander 10—the world's largest aircraft—in preparation for its maiden flight this spring.

Unlike traditional airships, the Airlander has no internal structure, instead gaining rigidity after being filled with helium at just above atmospheric pressure. The hull material incorporates a woven fabric for

strength on the inside, and a Tedlar layer for protection on the outside, sandwiching a mylar film to retain the helium. The airship's mission module, fuel module, ducts and engine support battens are largely made from carbon composite.

Airlander will carry up to 10 tons of cargo at speeds of 70+ knots. Image credit: Hybrid Air Vehicles. Airlander produces 60% of its lift aerostatically (by being lighter than air) and 40% aerodynamically (by being wing-shaped) and has the ability to rotate its engines to provide an additional 25% thrust up or down. It is able to take off and land vertically and operate from a range of remote environments, including water, ice and desert.

According to Hybrid Air Vehicles, the 92-meter-long Airlander will have ultra-long endurance and point-to-point cargo-carrying capacity. Airlander will carry up to 10 metric tons of cargo at speeds of 70+ knots and is capable of flying halfway around the world on a single tank of fuel (it burns 33% less fuel than conventional aircraft).

In addition to carrying cargo, other anticipated applications include long-endurance tasks such as coast guard duties, military and civil surveillance, filming and academic research. Hybrid Air Vehicles is also market testing Airlander for an overnight luxury passenger service and a business city-center to city-center sleeper service. In passenger configuration, the company says the Airlander will be able to carry 48 customers "in luxury."

A planned "big brother" aircraft—the Airlander 50—will have a cargo bay volume in excess of 500 cubic meters and a carrying capacity of over 50 tons. It will be designed specifically for the cargo and heavy lift markets.