Gigantic in scale, boasting a weight of half a million pounds and exceeding 200 feet in length, the 'Whale of the Skies' stands among the most extraordinary aircraft ever constructed.
The skies have a new, unconventional giant gracing them - the Airbus BelugaXL. This remarkable cargo aircraft, launched in 2020, has been captivating audiences across Europe and beyond, with its distinctive design and impressive capabilities.
The BelugaXL, also known as the A330-743L, is an extraordinary cargo plane, renowned for its ability to transport large materials, such as A350 wings. Its bulbous fuselage, reminiscent of a beluga whale, provides an enlarged cargo bay, making it ideal for carrying oversized components.
Weighing approximately 1.26 million pounds when fully fueled, the BelugaXL is a colossal presence in the world of aviation. At takeoff, it weighs up to 500,000 pounds, which is equivalent to nearly 3,900 average-sized men. Residents near Perpignan have recently had the opportunity to witness this majestic sight during test flights in early summer 2022.
The BelugaXL measures an impressive 200 feet in length, 200 feet in width, and nearly 62 feet in height. Compared to its predecessor, the BelugaST, it is seven feet longer and three feet wider, offering increased carrying capacity.
Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines, the BelugaXL can fly a range of 2,300 NM (4,300 km) and cruise at Mach 0.69, making it suitable for transporting components between European Airbus facilities.
While the BelugaXL is a standout in the world of cargo transport, it is not the largest aircraft ever built. That title belongs to the Antonov An-225 Mriya, which, although destroyed in 2023, weighed over 1.4 million pounds. The An-225 is significantly larger and heavier, with a payload capacity of up to 250,000 kg, making it the largest cargo aircraft ever built in terms of payload.
However, the BelugaXL's unique charm lies in its specialized functions. Unlike the An-225 and the Airbus A380, another notable giant of commercial aviation history, the BelugaXL is not designed for passenger transport. Instead, it is a distinct member of the aviation community, admired on airport tarmacs by both children and adults.
In summary, the BelugaXL is a flying whale, a unique aircraft designed for transporting oversized aircraft components. Its distinctive design, impressive transport capacity, and specialized functions make it a remarkable addition to the world of aviation.
The BelugaXL's specialized functions in the aerospace industry have made it a standout, offering an enlarged cargo bay suitable for carrying oversized components, such as A350 wings. Similarly, its impressive capabilities in finance, with a range of 2,300 NM, have allowed it to transport materials between European Airbus facilities, contributing to the efficiency of the transportation sector.
