July 19 / Airbus BelugaXL first flight
First Flight 19 July 2018
Airbus BelugaXL
The Airbus BelugaXL (A330-743L) is a giant cargo aircraft that is used for the transportation of large aircraft components, including wings and fuselages. It is a new and improved version of the original Beluga and is designed to provide added support to Airbus' existing transport fleet.
The BelugaXL made its first flight on July 19, 2018, and received its type certification on November 13, 2019. The aircraft is operated by Airbus Transport, and it entered service on January 9, 2020.
Prior to launching the BelugaXL program, Airbus evaluated several aircraft, including the Antonov An-124 and An-225, the Boeing C-17 or Dreamlifter, and the A330-200F. Ultimately, the company decided to modify one of its own aircraft rather than purchasing a new one.
The BelugaXL program was launched in November 2014 to build five aircraft that would replace the existing five BelugaSTs. The design freeze was announced on September 16, 2015, and the program's development and production costs totalled €1 billion.
The BelugaXL was designed to transport outsize cargo between Airbus' factories and the final assembly lines. However, the aircraft's unique capabilities have also been used to fly partially built airliner fuselages and wings around the globe. In addition, it has been used to transport modules for the International Space Station to their launch site, and occasionally, it has been used to transport relief supplies to emergency zones.
The Airbus A330, which is the aircraft type that the BelugaXL is based on, is also flown by several air forces as the Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT). The BelugaXL is a vital component of Airbus' transport fleet, enabling the company to efficiently transport large aircraft components across the world.
Beluga XL Facts
Purpose-Built for Airbus: The BelugaXL was specifically designed to transport large aircraft components, such as wings and fuselage sections, between Airbus production sites across Europe. It plays a crucial role in Airbus’s logistics chain.
Based on the A330: The design of the BelugaXL is based on the Airbus A330-200 Freighter. It incorporates the same wings, engines, and lower fuselage, but features a significantly enlarged upper fuselage to accommodate oversized cargo.
First Flight: The BelugaXL made its maiden flight on July 19, 2018. This successful test flight marked a significant milestone in the aircraft’s development and certification process.
Increased Capacity: Compared to its predecessor, the BelugaST (based on the A300), the BelugaXL offers a 30% increase in cargo capacity. It can carry up to 53 metric tons of cargo over a range of 4,000 kilometres (2,485 miles).
Distinctive Design: The BelugaXL features a distinctive “whale-like” design, with a bulbous upper fuselage and a large cargo door located just behind the cockpit. This unique shape has earned it the nickname “Beluga,” after the similarly shaped Beluga whale.
Fleet Expansion: Airbus plans to build six BelugaXL aircraft to replace the existing fleet of five BelugaSTs. The transition to the new fleet is expected to enhance Airbus’s logistical efficiency and support increased production rates.
Loading and Unloading: The BelugaXL is equipped with a specialized loading and unloading system. The large cargo door opens upwards, allowing for the easy loading of oversized components. The aircraft can be loaded and unloaded using a custom-built platform and transporter system.
Operational Flexibility: The BelugaXL is designed to operate from standard airports without the need for special infrastructure. Its robust landing gear and efficient engines allow it to take off and land on conventional runways, providing operational flexibility.
Flight Deck and Crew: The flight deck of the BelugaXL is located below the main cargo deck, similar to the design of the Boeing 747. This configuration allows for an unobstructed cargo hold and provides the flight crew with a familiar operating environment.
Environmental Efficiency: The BelugaXL is equipped with modern, fuel-efficient engines, specifically the Rolls-Royce Trent 700. These engines, combined with aerodynamic improvements, contribute to reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions compared to older cargo aircraft.
