What To Know
- While it might not be suitable for every flight mission, its specialized functions set it apart as a distinct member of the aviation community.
- Despite being based on a model dating back to the 1990s, this aircraft continues to astonish with its unique charm.
- Weighing in at up to 500,000 pounds at takeoff—equivalent to nearly 3,900 average-sized men—the BelugaXL is indeed a flying whale.
The BelugaXL, an extraordinary cargo plane with a design inspired by cetaceans, stands out for its impressive transport capacity and maximum takeoff weight. Discover the unique features of this remarkable aircraft.
the belugaxl: airbus’s airborne marvel
Every so often, an aircraft emerges that breaks the mold of conventional aviation design. Enter the BelugaXL, also known as the A330-743L, an aviation icon that has been turning heads since its official launch in 2020. While it might not be suitable for every flight mission, its specialized functions set it apart as a distinct member of the aviation community.
The BelugaXL’s distinctive front end bears a striking resemblance to its namesake marine mammal. When spotted on an airport tarmac, it never fails to capture attention and awe from both children and adults alike. Despite being based on a model dating back to the 1990s, this aircraft continues to astonish with its unique charm.
remarkable specifications
Beneath its whimsical exterior lies a powerhouse of functionality. The BelugaXL is classified as a cargo aircraft, tasked with transporting materials from one location to another. For instance, it can carry parts like A350 wings within its spacious interior.
- The BelugaXL measures more than 200 feet in length, over 200 feet in width, and nearly 62 feet in height.
- It was developed to provide enhanced transport capabilities compared to previous models. With dimensions seven feet longer and three feet wider than its predecessor, the BelugaST, it offers a significant increase in carrying capacity.
Weighing in at up to 500,000 pounds at takeoff—equivalent to nearly 3,900 average-sized men—the BelugaXL is indeed a flying whale. Residents near Perpignan witnessed this magnificent machine soaring through their skies during test flights in early summer 2022.
a giant among giants
Although impressive, the BelugaXL does not dominate the leaderboard when it comes to massive flying machines. That title belonged to Ukraine‘s Antonov An-225 Mriya until its destruction in 2023—a true behemoth capable of taking off with over 1.4 million pounds.
- The Antonov An-225 Mriya stood as a testament to aerospace engineering prowess until its unfortunate demise.
- The iconic Airbus A380 is another noteworthy giant of commercial aviation history. Unveiled in Toulouse in 2005 amidst varying reviews, this aircraft could theoretically accommodate nearly 800 passengers while weighing about 1.26 million pounds with fuel onboard.
