BelugaXL

New generation outsized cargo transport

Airbus launched the BelugaXL in late 2014 as a new super transporter supporting the A350 ramp-up and other production rate increases. By the end of 2023, six BelugaXLs – derived from the company’s versatile A330 widebody aircraft – will replace the current BelugaST fleet.

The BelugaXL performed its maiden flight in 2018, and received the type certification in November 2019 from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) airworthiness authority. This paved the way for the first BelugaXL’s service entry in January 2020.

As with the BelugaST, the BelugaXL fleet will operate across 11 destinations in Europe, continuing to strengthen Airbus’ industrial capabilities and enabling the company to meet its production and delivery commitments.

Key figures BelugaXL

Overall length 63.1 m 207 ft

Height 18.9 m 62 ft

Wing span 60.3 m 197 ft 10 in

Dimensions

Overall length	63.1 m
Height	18.9 m
Wing span	60.3 m
Fuselage width	8.8 m
Loadable volume length	46.8 m
Loadable cross-section max width	8.1 m
Loadable cross-section max height	7.5 m

Performance

Max payload*	51 tonnes
Max range*	4,000 km
Max take-off weight	227 tonnes
Max landing weight	187 tonnes
Max zero fuel weight	178 tonnes
Max fuel capacity (density = 0.803)	73.3 tonnes

Dimensions

Overall length	207 ft
Height	62 ft
Wing span	197 ft 10 in
Fuselage width	28 ft 10 in
Loadable volume length	153 ft 6 in
Loadable cross-section max width	26 ft 6 in
Loadable cross-section max height	24 ft 7 in

Performance

Max payload*	112,435 lb
Max range*	2,200 nm
Max Take-off weight	500,449 lb
Max landing weight	412,264 lb
Max zero fuel weight	392,422 lb
Max fuel capacity (density = 0.803)	161,599 lb

(* ) Aircraft weights and capabilities shown are the highest values. Ranges shown are at max payload.

Expanding capabilities

The BelugaXL will gradually replace the existing five-member BelugaST fleet – flying between 11 destinations around Europe.

In addition to the significant use of existing components and equipment including Rolls Royce’s Trent 772B engines, the Airbus A330-based BelugaXL fleet incorporates newly-developed elements –including its lowered cockpit, a highly-enlarged cargo bay structure, and modified rear and tail section.

Sized at seven metres longer and one metre wider than its BelugaST predecessor, the BelugaXL provides 30% extra transport capacity. As an example, a BelugaXL can accommodate two A350 jetliner wings, compared to one in the BelugaST.

With a maximum payload of 51 tonnes, the BelugaXL has a range of 4,000 km (2,200 nm).

Learn more about Airbus’ next-generation oversize cargo aircraft with this special “animated infographic.”

Speed and efficiency

As with the BelugaST, BelugaXLs are equipped with cargo loading systems to ensure easy and efficient handling of payloads, controlled by the trained crews of Airbus Transport International (ATI) subsidiary.

Thanks to new efficiency in systems, the turn-around time (TAT) for the BelugaXL is appproximately 1 hour, reduced by almost half when compared to a BelugaST

Flight deck

The BelugaXL is operated by two pilots, taking advantage of the modern A330 cockpit on which the latest systems and technologies developed for other programmes have been transferred – ensuring technology lead and commonality benefits.

Those include fly-by-wire flight controls, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), and the Airport Traffic Situational Awareness (ATSA) system. In late 2021, RNP AR (Required Navigation Performance Authorisation Required) will be added. This system improves access at locations with challenging surroundings.

At the end of 2022, ROPS (Runway Overrun Prevention System) and AP/FD TCAS (Autopilot/flight Director Traffic Collision Avoidance System) are to be incorporated. During landings, the ROPS predicts operational landing distance and warns crews on overrun risk during both auto-braking and manual braking operations, whereas automatic avoidance manoeuvres with AP/FD TCAS (Autopilot/flight Director Traffic Collision Avoidance System) are performed in case of collision risk with another aircraft.