Beluga_XL

Airbus has chosen aero-structure suppliers for its Beluga XL oversize transport aircraft.

Selected suppliers include Stelia Aerospace, Aernnova, Deharde, P3 Voith Aerospace, and Aciturri.

The new aircraft will expand Airbus’ industrial air transport capability by 30%, and transport large aircraft components between the company’s production facilities.

Stelia Aerospace will design and build the nose fuselage and main cargo door, Aernnova will provide the rear fuselage and dorsal fin, Deharde and P3 Voith Aerospace will work together to build the typical fuselage of the cargo bay.

Aciturri will design and construct the horizontal tail plane (HTP) box extension and auxiliary fins.

"The new aircraft will…transport large aircraft components between the company’s production facilities."

Launched in November 2014, the Beluga XL will feature increased dimensions of 1m-width and 6m-length, compared with the existing Belugas in operation, which will facilitate carrying two A350 XWB wings simultaneously.

Designed based on the A330, the oversize air transporters will cater to the A350 XWB ramp-up and other aircraft production rate increases, Airbus said.

Beluga XL will make use of existing components and equipment, and will feature lowered cockpit, cargo bay structure, rear-end and tail.

Airbus plans to put the first of five Beluga XL airliners into service in 2019. The existing Beluga fleet will gradually retire by 2025.

Image: Beluga XL oversize aircraft. Photo: courtesy of Fixion / Airbus SAS.