Airbus Beluga Transport, a cargo airline, operates unique white whale-shaped aircraft known as the Beluga to transport satellites, helicopters, and aircraft engines. The Beluga is a large cargo plane with a distinctive shape that has been in service for almost 20 years. It primarily moves aircraft parts between Airbus production plants throughout Europe.
The original Beluga ST was first flown in 1994 and started operating in 1995. By the end of 2000, four Beluga aircraft had been built, each designed to move large parts of Airbus aircraft between factories in multiple countries to final assembly lines in Toulouse and Hamburg. Due to its size, the Beluga can transport oversized objects like satellites, helicopters, and aircraft engines. However, it has limitations such as a limited range of 3,000 km and a maximum cargo weight of 40 tons.
A new version of the Beluga is now replacing the original model – the Beluga XL. The XL is based on an A330 airframe and has six aircraft in service since 2018, with more in production. With a wider fuselage and more advanced features, the XL can carry larger loads than its predecessor model. In addition to moving large parts of Airbus aircraft between factories in multiple countries, it can also carry both wings of the rival Boeing 787 and 777 aircraft.
Specialized pilot training is needed due to the challenges caused by its large head’s aerodynamics on this unique cargo aircraft. Despite these limitations, the Beluga remains a crucial part of Airbus’ operations due to its ability to transport essential components for their aircraft.
In conclusion, Airbus’ famous white whale-shaped Beluga Transport planes have been carrying oversized objects like satellites for nearly two decades now. Although they have some limitations such as limited range and maximum cargo weight, their unique size makes them essential for Airbus’ operations. With the new version being introduced into service alongside its predecessors
