The world’s newest largest aircraft has cheated the gravitational force for the first time ever today.

With an empty weight of 20,000KG (44,100LB), the Airlander 10 took off from Cardington Airfield on Wednesday and flew for about 20 minutes before returning for landing.

At 302 feet in length, the helium-filled aircraft traveled a max speed of 35 knots at 500 feet during its initial test flight.

According to the producer, Hybrid Air Vehicles Limited, the aircraft is capable of reaching speeds up to 90 miles per hour and reach flight level 160 (16,000 ft).

When manned, it can stay airborne for 5 days straight. Without people on board, the max time it could stay in the sky is 2 weeks.

Hybrid Air Vehicles claims that military, commercial, and emergency organizations have expressed interest in potentially purchasing the aircraft if it reaches the market.

The initial development of the aircraft started by the company for the U.S military, however since the blimp program has been discontinued, the company has switched over to making the aircraft compatible with cargo, surveillance, and passenger usage.

It is currently unknown when the aircraft will finish test flights and will be available for purchase by customers.

Images courtesy of Hybrid Air Vehicles Limited.