Beluga XL Touches Down at Kolkata Airport for Refueling and Crew Rest

The Beluga XL is a highly distinctive cargo aircraft developed by Airbus to transport oversized aircraft components and other large cargo. Its unique design and size make it one of the most recognizable planes in the world. Here are the full details about the Beluga XL:

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The Beluga XL landed🛬 at Kolkata Airport today at 0547 IST from Tianjin. The stop is for crew rest and refueling. It’s set to depart tomorrow at 1530 IST for Bahrain International Airport. #AirbusBeluga #AviationFacts pic.twitter.com/sfzcu2R2dg

— Kolkata Airport (@aaikolairport) October 14, 2024

Overview:

• Full Name: Airbus A330-743L Beluga XL
• Manufacturer: Airbus
• Role: Large cargo freighter
• First Flight: July 19, 2018
• Introduction into Service: January 2020
• Number Built: 6 units (as of 2023)
• Primary Operator: Airbus Transport International

Design and Features:

1. Design Base:
   The Beluga XL is based on the Airbus A330-200 commercial airliner. It was designed as a replacement for the original Beluga ST (based on the A300) and has a much larger cargo capacity.
2. Cargo Capacity:
   The Beluga XL is designed to carry 51 tons of cargo. Its cargo hold measures 63 meters long and 8 meters wide, which is large enough to transport oversized aircraft components, such as wings, fuselage sections, and helicopters. The aircraft’s voluminous cargo space can fit up to two A350 XWB wings at once, compared to just one wing in the original Beluga ST.
3. Dimensions:
   • Length: 63.1 meters (207 feet)
   • Wingspan: 60.3 meters (198 feet)
   • Height: 18.9 meters (62 feet)
   • Cargo Hold Volume: 2,209 cubic meters (the largest in any aircraft in active service)
4. Engines:
   The Beluga XL is powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines, which provide sufficient thrust for the massive freighter to take off with its full cargo load.
5. Unique Appearance:
   The aircraft is named “Beluga” due to its resemblance to the beluga whale, particularly with its large, bulbous forward section. The XL version has an even more pronounced “whale” shape and is often painted with a smiling beluga whale face, adding to its iconic look.
6. Loading System:
   The Beluga XL’s nose is hinged upwards, allowing the massive cargo door at the front of the aircraft to open vertically. This allows for the easy loading and unloading of oversized parts.

Operational Use:

• The Beluga XL primarily serves Airbus‘ internal logistics needs, transporting large aircraft components between different manufacturing facilities across Europe. However, it can also be used for other types of oversized cargo.
• It operates mainly between Airbus production sites in France, Germany, Spain, and the UK, as well as occasionally transporting parts globally.

Comparison to the Beluga ST:

• The Beluga XL is 30% larger than its predecessor, the Beluga ST, and has a payload capacity 6 tons higher.
• The XL can fly up to 4,000 kilometers (about 2,485 miles) with a maximum payload.

Range and Performance:

• Range: 4,000 km (2,485 miles) with a full payload.
• Maximum Speed: 0.69 Mach (about 737 km/h or 458 mph).
• Max Takeoff Weight: 227 tons.

Development and Need:

The Beluga XL was developed as part of Airbus’s continued growth in production, particularly with the success of its A350 XWB program, which required a more capable transport solution for large components. As Airbus’s production rate increased, the older Beluga ST fleet became insufficient to meet demand, leading to the development of the larger Beluga XL.

Fun Fact:

• The Beluga XL was chosen by Airbus employees through a vote on its final design, with the option featuring the smiling beluga whale face winning overwhelmingly.

Global Operations:

While the Beluga XL is mostly used in Europe, it occasionally makes global trips, as seen with its landing in Kolkata Airport. These stops typically involve crew rest, refueling, and occasional maintenance, reflecting the aircraft’s ability to operate internationally for Airbus’s supply chain or special cargo missions.

The Beluga XL is not only a marvel of modern aviation but also a vital component in Airbus’s ability to efficiently transport large, essential parts across its production network. Its giant proportions and eye-catching design make it a spectacle wherever it lands.

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