Biggest Airplane in the World | Airbus Beluga XL - Facts

Biggest Airplane in the World | Airbus Beluga XL
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The Airbus Beluga XL is a remarkable and distinctive cargo aircraft developed by Airbus to transport oversized loads, especially components used in the manufacturing of Airbus aircraft. Here’s a more detailed look at it:
Fun Fact:
Although it’s primarily a cargo plane, the Beluga XL has captured the imagination of aviation enthusiasts due to its unique shape and large size. It’s become somewhat of an aviation icon!
Do you have any specific aspect of the Beluga XL you're curious about?
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===========================Airbus Beluga XL=============================
The Airbus Beluga XL is an impressive and distinctive aircraft used primarily for transporting large and oversized cargo, particularly aircraft parts. Here are some key facts about it:
1. Purpose: The Beluga XL was developed to replace the original Beluga (A300-600ST), which was used for transporting aircraft components for Airbus assembly lines. The Beluga XL provides greater capacity and efficiency.
2. Based on the A330: The Beluga XL is derived from the Airbus A330-200, with significant modifications to its fuselage and tail. The most noticeable feature is the huge, bulbous cargo hold that gives it a "beluga whale" appearance.
3. Capacity: The Beluga XL can carry cargo up to 63 meters (207 feet) in length, 8 meters (26 feet) in diameter, and weighing up to 51 tons (110,000 lbs). This is a substantial increase over the original Beluga's capacity.
4. Size: It’s 63.1 meters (207 feet) long, 7.8 meters (25.6 feet) high, and 8.8 meters (28.9 feet) wide, making it one of the largest cargo planes in the world. It has a wingspan of 60.3 meters (198 feet).
5. Engines: It is powered by four Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines, which provide the necessary thrust for the large aircraft.
6. First Flight: The Beluga XL made its first flight on July 19, 2018. It was then put through a series of rigorous tests before entering service.
7. Operational Use: The Beluga XL is mainly used to transport large components like fuselage sections, wings, and other parts between Airbus’ various production facilities in Europe. It operates as part of the Airbus Transport International fleet.
8. Iconic Look: The aircraft’s design and its distinctive livery (which features a smile and eyes on the nose) make it one of the most recognizable planes in the skies.
9. Service Entry: The Beluga XL entered commercial service in 2020, and it’s expected to remain in operation for at least 10-15 years.
It's a unique aircraft built for a very specific purpose, but its size and distinctive look have earned it a kind of cult following among aviation enthusiasts!
**Operational Use:
The Beluga XL is primarily used to transport large and heavy aircraft parts between various Airbus production facilities in Europe. The aircraft is used to deliver components to assembly lines in places like Toulouse, France; Bremen, Germany; and other Airbus plants.
***Environmental Considerations: The Beluga XL is part of Airbus’s ongoing commitment to reducing its environmental impact. The aircraft is designed to be more fuel-efficient than its predecessor, helping Airbus reduce its carbon footprint.