The world’s largest aircraft, Airlander 10, has flown for the first time since it crash-landed at the end of its second test flight last August.

Controlled by two pilots, the aircraft took off from its masting site at Cardington Airfield, Bedfordshire, UK, and landed safely at its base.

A combination of a plane and an airship, the hybrid aircraft is currently stationed at its masting site.

The aircraft’s take-off, flight and landing were verified during the recent test.

The aircraft’s flight performance data such as handling, airspeed and all vehicle systems for post-flight analysis were also collected.

"The flight was also used to analyse the Airlander 10’s auxiliary landing system (ALS) performance."

The flight was also used to analyse the Airlander 10’s auxiliary landing system (ALS) performance.

The recent 180min flight was conducted in continuation of the aircraft’s flight test programme, which began last year.

Airlander 10 chief test pilot Dave Burns said: “It was truly amazing to be back in the air.

“I loved every minute of the flight and the Airlander itself handled superbly. I am eager to get back into the cockpit and take her flying again.”

The aircraft is expected to undergo its next phase of test after agap of one or two weeks.

Developed by Hybrid Air Vehicles, Airlander 10 has been designed to carry out various operations, including search-and-rescue, border control, coastguarding, crowd monitoring, security, filming, academic research and filming.

The aircraft will also be able to conduct point-to-point cargo transportation in remote areas.

Image: Airlander 10 hybrid aircraft in the sky. Photo: courtesy of Hybrid Air Vehicles.