The Airbus A300-600ST, also known as BELUGA, is a modified version of the standard A300 aircraft.
The Airbus A300-600ST, often referred to as the Beluga, is a one-of-a-kind cargo plane manufactured by Airbus. This bird's unique, bulbous shape allows it to transport oversized items, from massive aircraft parts to aircraft sections such as the A320, A330, and A350. Its cargo bay measures an impressive 7.4 meters wide, 7.7 meters high, and 37.7 meters long, making it one of the world's largest cargo aircraft.
Airbus unveiled the Beluga in 1995, aiming to transport heavy and oversized components more efficiently. This versatile aircraft plays a pivotal role in moving aircraft sections between Airbus facilities scattered across Europe, enhancing production efficiency. Its distinctive outline has become a staple in the aerospace industry.
The Beluga is a modified version of the Airbus A300-600 passenger airliner and was introduced to replace the aging Super Guppy transport aircraft, which was designed by Airbus in the 1960s and 1970s.
One of the Beluga's standout features is its ability to carry entire sections of other Airbus aircraft. Its cargo hold can accommodate payloads of up to 47 metric tons. The Beluga's cockpit and avionics are identical to those of the A300-600 passenger airliner, making it easier for pilots to transition between the two aircraft. The Beluga also uses the same engines and landing gear as the A300-600, simplifying maintenance and repair.
Airbus currently operates five Beluga aircraft, based at its facilities in Toulouse, France, and Hamburg, Germany (as of 2024). These aircraft are utilized to transport aircraft components between Airbus's various production sites across Europe, including France, Germany, Spain, and the UK.
In 2020, Airbus announced the introduction of the next-generation Beluga dubbed the BelugaXL. The BelugaXL boasts a cargo hold that is 30% larger than the original Beluga and can carry payloads of up to 51 metric tons. It also has a longer range and can travel up to 4,000 kilometers (2,485 miles) with a full payload. The first BelugaXL entered service in January 2020, and Airbus plans to operate a fleet of six aircraft by 2023.
In essence, the Airbus A300-600ST Beluga is an extraordinary aircraft designed to transport oversized cargo between Airbus facilities across Europe. Its distinctive appearance and substantial cargo capacity have cemented its place as an iconic aircraft in the aerospace industry. The BelugaXL, the advanced successor to the original Beluga, promises improved cargo capacity and range, ensuring that Airbus's oversized cargo transport needs are catered to for many years to come.
Insights
- The Airbus BelugaXL, also known as the A330-743L, follows the A300-600 Beluga. It was developed starting from the Airbus A330-200 Freighter to replace the aging Super Guppy.
- The BelugaXL made its first flight on July 19, 2018, and entered service on January 9, 2020. It is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines and features a lowered cockpit, a new cargo bay structure, and a distinctive rear-end and tail developed with partners.
- The BelugaXL boasts a cargo bay large enough to carry two A350 XWB wings, unlike the original Beluga, which can only carry one. It has a maximum payload of 51 tonnes and a range of approximately 4,000 km.
The Airbus BelugaXL, derived from the Airbus A330-200 Freighter, succeeded the aging Super Guppy and followed the original Beluga in the industry. This advanced aerospace technology represents a significant leap forward in aircraft design, promising improved cargo capacity and range for Airbus's oversized transport needs.
