[Article initialement publié en août 2024]
“”Oh mom, look at a white whale steals!“Airbus's Belugaxl effect is guaranteed each time. It must be said that the iconic plane, officially launched in 2020, knows how to be recognized. True icon in the world of air, our plane is not however Made for all uses.
Airbus Belugaxl, the “cetacean” of the tunes
If the vast majority of planes flying above our heads have a similar design, sometimes devices stand out. Like the SR-71 in the military world, or the Ecolo Solar Impulse, the Belugaxl (A330-743L), also has its personal touch to bring to this well coded world.
The front of the device looks like the cetacean that bears the same name, and when we are not familiar to the device, it may be surprising to cross it on an airport tarmac. With each meeting, young and old seem to marvel in a device which nevertheless comes from a model which dates from the 1990s. But the planes always have their little effect.
The characteristics of the device
It is beautiful, it is unique, it has a funny name … but it is also precise. The Belugaxl is what is called a 'cargo plane'. It is nothing more or less than a transport aircraft that moves equipment from point A to point B. Our “cetacean airs” can transport for example A350 wings within it. Let's take a look at its shared capacities on the Airbus site.
The Beluga XL is a device over 63 meters long, 61 meters wide and almost 19 meters in height. It has been set up to ensure more transport than the old models: “With a length higher than seven meters and a width of one meter compared to its predecessor, the Belugast, the Belugaxl offers a superior capacity of 30 %.»
On the weight side, the Belugaxl can reach the maximum 227 tonnes mark on takeoff. Or the equivalent of nearly 2,900 men with an average weight … a hell of a whale! The lucky ones who lived towards Perpignan at the beginning of the summer of 2022 had also been able to see him on many times. One of these devices carried out tests in the air of the eastern Pyrenees, as Actu had reported at the time.
The biggest planes in the world
Although impressive, however, it is not classified on the podium of the largest flying devices. The first is Ukrainian, it was Antonov 225 Mriya, destroyed in 2022 and which could reach the most 630 tonnes at takeoff. A real aeronautical feat and a symbol of rare excess.
On the side of line planes, it should be noted the presence of the iconic A380, unveiled in Toulouse in 2005 and which experienced various criticism. At takeoff, the plane which could theoretically transport nearly 800 people, could weigh 570 tonnes with the fuel. Giants of the air that do not go unnoticed.
With an unwavering passion for local news, Christopher leads our editorial team with integrity and dedication. With over 20 years’ experience, he is the backbone of Wouldsayso, ensuring that we stay true to our mission to inform.
