Britain builds world's largest aircraft

, March 1: The world's largest operational aircraft was unveiled yesterday in Britain. The Airlander was originally developed for the US Military and is 300 feet long, said Hybrid Air Vehicles-its makers.

Helium-filled, the behemoth is designed to stay airborne for up to 3 weeks and can bear upto 60 tonnes, said the company.

The mastercraft was on display at the giant hangar in Cardington, central England, which has a rich history in building airplanes of the R101 fame in the past.

While it is longer than the current record holder, the Russian Antonov Ann-255 (84 meters long) and the Boeing 747-8 (76 meters long), it is smaller to airships like the German zeppelin the Hindenburg (244 metres).

[Read More]