Is it a space ship? Or is it a giant egg? World's biggest aircraft launches crowdfunding campaign

The company behind the world's largest aircraft – which can land on water, ice and marsh – is attempting to raise millions of pounds from the public to get it back in the air.

The Airlander 10 is about the size of a football pitch and mixes elements from a plane, airship, helicopter and hovercraft. Filled with helium, it is said to be greener and quieter than other aircrafts, can stay in the air for weeks and is being produced by Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV).

It initially made the step from prototype to reality thanks to a contract with the US Defense Department in 2010 (the first test flight took place in August 2012). Three years later the project was cancelled due to budget cuts.

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HAV bought the Airlander back and returned it to the UK, where it lives in Cardington, Bedfordshire, and has since received a grant from the UK government.

"Its unusual shape emulates a wing, giving it lift as it is propelled forward by its four engines, as well as from the 38,000m3 of helium that fills its hull," says The Guardian.

The UK's Ministry of Defence is retaining an interest, says the newspaper, but the aircraft could also be used to help mining corporations, search operations, disaster relief, data gathering or high-end tourism.

The Airlander 10 can carry up to ten tonnes of cargo, but there are also plans to build an Airlander 50 than can carry 50 tonnes.

Today, HAV launched a crowd-funding campaign in the hope of getting Airlander 10 back in the air in return for the chance to own a stake in the company.

Those investing £100 are offered membership of the Airlander Club, while those investing more than £10,000 will receive a VIP invitation to its first public flight.