Beluga XL
| Airbus Beluga XL | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Computer rendering of Beluga XL | |
| Role | Outsize cargo freight aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Airbus |
| First flight | Expected summer 2018 |
| Introduction | Expected 2019 |
| Status | Under development |
| Primary user | Airbus Transport International |
| Produced | 2016-present |
| Developed from | Airbus A330-200 |
The Airbus Beluga XL is a planned large transport aircraft based on the A330-200 airliner, to be the successor to the Airbus Beluga. The XL has an extension on the fuselage top like the Beluga. It is being designed, built and will be operated by Airbus to move oversized aircraft components.
The program was launched in November 2014 to build five aircraft, with 30% more capacity than the existing five Belugas. The existing Belugas will not be withdrawn from service when the Beluga XL is introduced ; a mixed fleet is to operate for at least five years as the increased production rate of single-aisle aircraft requires the ability to move more parts.
It will be able to carry two A350 XWB wings instead of one, the design freeze was announced on 16 September 2015. The new aircraft will be 6 metres longer and one metre wider than the Beluga, and will be able to lift a payload six tons heavier.
The aircraft's lower fuselage will be assembled on the A330 final assembly line, and then be moved to another facility for the year-long process of assembling the upper fuselage and the lowered nose fuselage. The first section has arrived in Toulouse in November 2016. Final assembly started on 8 December 2016. The first large sections: one central and two lateral rear section panels, arrived on 12 April 2017 at the Toulouse Final Assembly facility (L34) from Aernnova’s factory in Berantevilla, Spain.
Constructed by Stelia Aerospace in Meaulte, its 12×4m, 8.2t nose section was delivered in May 2017. The 9 m wide, 8 m long and high, 2,1 t upper front fuselage part, framing the cargo door, was delivered from Stelia Meaulte on 7 July 2017. The 3.1t, 10m long and 8m high door was delivered by Stelia Rochefort in September 2017.
In October 2017, 75% of the first BelugaXL structural assembly was done with systems, mechanical and electrical integration underway before tail elements, already received, are integrated. The front main deck cargo door will be assembled in the beginning of December before power-on at the end of 2017. Its maiden flight is scheduled for summer 2018 before 10 months of flight tests necessary for its certification campaign and a 2019 service entry. The second aircraft will enter final assembly line in December and the three remaining each following year.
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