Airbus Begins A330-Based New Beluga Development

18 November 2014. Airbus, one of the largest aircraft maker wants to develop next generation of transport aircraft.

Currently Airbus has Beluga, built based on Airbus A300 Series the Beluga Super Transporter needs to be refreshed after over 20 years in service.

Airbus A300-600ST Loads Wing of A350 XWB

The new Belugas will take A330 Series as a based platform, the development will take place in Toulouse as well and expected to enter service in 2019.

Airbus spokesperson says that the new Belugas will be able to use existing components and tools for Airbus A330 Series since same platform. Like its old Beluga, the new Belugas remains use lowered cockpit concept.

From that design, the upper section can be maximized with cargo bay and facilitating large transport space.

Airbus A300-600ST Unloading Procedure, Upper Compartment

Supporting the capacity of new aircraft for Airbus Group, the transport fleet are required in the future since this transport method are useful for aircraft airframe assembling process. Airbus to double its capacity in 2017 and aims reducing dependence in weather conditions.

Current Beluga will gradually retired until 2025 before the new Belugas born. There is no further information regarding the engines supplier, for now the used GE CF-6 for all Airbus A300-600 Super Transporter fleet.

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