Re:Airbus Beluga XL
by alkonaut on Monday December 16, 2019 @02:45PM
(#21806418)
Consider the software predicaments caused by the changed aerodynamics at some angles of the 737-MAX, and consider the shape of this thing compared to the A330. I wonder how much of the control of A330 had to be updated for this - and how much that will cost for each sold individual of the transporter version.
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The problem of the 737 was trying to keep to the type rating so crew didn't need re-training and re-certification, especially for airlines which refuse to fly anything but 737s.
This was not a concern here, it's not going to be sold to operators (let alone operators who don't want to retrain crew).
There are only 5 Beluga XL (likewise its predecessor) and it exists solely and exclusively for Airbus to move parts around due to the distributed nature of its production.
Before Airbus built their own cargo aircraft, they used Super Guppies, which is why there is one on display near or in two of Airbus' facilities (Toulouse and Hamburg), despite the Guppy being on a Boeing base. Airbus actually bought the right to build Guppies at the time.
Re:Airbus Beluga XL
by chupa-chups on Monday December 16, 2019 @03:00PM
(#21806586)
Airbus didn't have to cheat into the same type rating in this case. It is OK to have pilots qualified for this type, as opposed to Boeing being "forced" to grandfathering a different plane (737Max vs. 737NG in terms of aerodynamic handling)
Re:Airbus Beluga XL
by AquaLineSpirit on Monday December 16, 2019 @03:15PM
(#21806717)
Seems like the production of the 737-MAX is going to be stopped https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HVnhrCM4Pk
Re:Airbus Beluga XL
by filleduchaos on Monday December 16, 2019 @04:06PM
(#21807192)
This isn't even the first iteration of this airframe. The beluga-shaped Airbuses have been a thing for years.