The 300ft-long (93 metres) shipped was originally developed as part of a US Army project but was scrapped by military bosses

During last year's 'floating' test, the craft was attached to four fork-lift trucks, each with a two-tonne block of cement to stop it being carried away, and driven the entire length of the hangar. It has been three years since work began on the Airlander 10 (pictured)

During last year's 'floating' test, the craft was attached to four fork-lift trucks, each with a two-tonne block of cement to stop it being carried away, and driven the entire length of the hangar.

In its new position nearer the doors of the hangar, the ￡80 million ($1.1 billion) aircraft is now being fitted with its engine, fins and 'mission module' ahead of its first proper flight.

The craft did carry out a test flight in 2012, but next month's take-off will be the first under the hybrid aircraft's latest specifications.

Airlander is the largest aircraft in the world, bigger even than the Airbus A380 - but would be dwarfed by the historic zeppelins developed in Germany during the 1930s.