Its unique shape has caused a stir on social networks, however. One tweet, by site Sputnik (pictured left), said: 'The world's largest aircraft #airlander, was the subject of ridicule'. Other tweets have been quick to point out the craft's resemblance to a derrière (pictured right)

The Airlander produces 60 per cent of its lift aerostatically, by being lighter-than-air, and 40 per cent aerodynamically, by being wing-shaped, as well as having the ability to rotate its engines to provide an additional 25 per cent of thrust up or down. This means the Airlander can hover as well as land on almost any surface, including ice, desert and water