Summary
The Airbus Beluga is a specialized cargo aircraft developed by Airbus to transport oversized aircraft components and other large cargo. Officially known as the Airbus A300-600ST (Super Transporter), the Beluga features a distinctive bulbous fuselage, allowing it to carry large and awkwardly shaped loads that would not fit in standard cargo planes. Its unique design and capabilities make it essential for Airbus's internal logistics and for transporting aerospace and industrial cargo worldwide.
Specifications
- Model: Airbus A300-600ST Beluga
- Crew: 2 (pilots) + loadmaster
- Length: 56.16 m (184 ft 3 in)
- Wingspan: 44.84 m (147 ft 1 in)
- Height: 17.25 m (56 ft 7 in)
- Maximum Takeoff Weight: 155,000 kg (342,000 lb)
- Maximum Payload: 47,000 kg (103,617 lb)
- Cargo Hold Dimensions: 7.1 m diameter, 37.7 m length
- Range (max payload): 1,667 km (1,036 mi)
- Engines: 2 x General Electric CF6-80C2A8 turbofans
- Cruise Speed: Mach 0.7 (about 830 km/h or 515 mph)
Fleet Composition
- Airbus operated a fleet of 5 Beluga A300-600ST aircraft.
- These aircraft are primarily used for transporting large aircraft parts between Airbus production sites across Europe.
- The Beluga fleet has been supplemented and partially replaced by the newer Airbus BelugaXL (A330-743L), but the original Belugas remain in service for specialized and charter cargo missions.
