Airbus Beluga XL – a three-story “dolphin” in the air

Modern transport aircraft from different manufacturers are often similar. Earlier, when they were equipped with piston engines, there was variety. There were no high speeds then, and the laws of aerodynamics could not be observed so strictly. But modern models of transport aircraft do not shine with design. And passenger airliners are also similar. And here in this monotony appears the Airbus Beluga XL - a transport aircraft that looks like a beluga dolphin. Of course, if you look at it, this animal is isolated as a separate species, but something else is important for us. Aircraft designers somehow managed to make a transport aircraft not only for specific tasks, but also with charisma.


In general, the Airbus Beluga XL is designed to transport large parts of space launch vehicles. The firstborn was Pregnant Guppy, which looks similar to this viviparous aquarium fish before giving birth. As for the Airbus Beluga XL, this is the latest, most modern aircraft in this line. By the way, it is capable of lifting 53 tons into the air. In addition to transporting launch vehicles, the manufacturer uses the transporter for personal needs. How else to move parts of airliners between different branches? They will talk about the Airbus Beluga XL on the Aviasmotr channel.