HISTORY ASPECTS:
The Airbus Beluga XL, registered as F-GXLJ, is a marvel of modern aviation engineering, designed to transport oversized cargo such as aircraft components. Officially entering service in January 2020, the Beluga XL was developed as a successor to the original Beluga ST, boasting a 30% larger capacity. The aircraft's distinctive whale-like shape and expansive cargo hold make it uniquely suited for carrying large sections of Airbus aircraft between production sites across Europe. F-GXLJ, the fifth Beluga XL, exemplifies the logistical advancements and innovative design Airbus has implemented to meet its increasing production demands.
The Beluga XL is based on the Airbus A330-200 freighter, but it has been extensively modified to handle oversized cargo. It measures 63.1 meters in length and has a wingspan of 60.3 meters, with a maximum payload of 51 tons. The aircraft’s voluminous cargo bay, combined with a specially designed nose and tail section, allows it to transport two A350 XWB wings simultaneously, a significant improvement over its predecessor. The introduction of the Beluga XL fleet, including F-GXLJ, has been crucial in streamlining Airbus's supply chain, reducing transportation times, and enhancing production efficiency.
F-GXLJ and its sister aircraft play a pivotal role in Airbus's operations, flying regular routes between key production facilities in France, Germany, Spain, and the UK. The Beluga XL's operational flexibility and increased capacity have allowed Airbus to meet its ambitious production targets and delivery schedules more effectively. The aircraft's distinctive livery, featuring a smiling whale design, has also made it an iconic and beloved figure in the aviation world, capturing the imagination of aviation enthusiasts and the general public alike.
This 1:200 scale model with registration number F-GXLJ perfectly captures the unique characteristics and impressive design of this extraordinary aircraft. Detailed and meticulously crafted, this replica is a must-have for aviation enthusiasts and collectors who appreciate the innovation and logistical prowess that the Beluga XL represents. Displaying this model is a celebration of Airbus's commitment to advancing aviation technology and its role in the global aerospace industry.