Featuring one of the most voluminous cargo holds of any civil or military aircraft flying today, the Airbus BelugaST offers a unique way to transport oversized air cargo. Also known as the A300-600ST Super Transporter, the Airbus-operated Belugas have played a key role in keeping the Airbus production and assembly network operating at full capacity. Today, they are available for freight companies and other potential customers as a unique solution to meet outsized freight transportation needs.
Offered as the Airbus Beluga Transport commercial service, these aircraft will provide customers with large cargo transport solutions for a variety of sectors, including space, energy, military, aeronautics, maritime and humanitarian sectors.
The BelugaSTs have been operating for Airbus’ own industrial airlift needs since the mid-1990s, and are progressively being replaced by a fleet of six new-generation BelugaXL versions.
56.16 m / 184 ft 3 in
Overall length
17.25 m / 56 ft 7 in
Height
44.84 m / 147 ft 2 in
Wing span
Metric
Dimensions
| Overall length | 56.16 m |
| Height | 17.25 m |
| Wing span | 44.84 m |
| Fuselage width | 7.7 m |
| Loadable volume length | 39.1 m |
| Loadable cross-section max height | 7.1 m |
| Loadable cross-section max width | 7.1 m |
Performance
| Max payload | 40 tonnes |
| Max range | 1,650 km |
| Max take-off weight | 155 tonnes |
| Max landing weight | 140 tonnes |
| Max zero fuel weight | 133.8 tonnes |
| Max fuel capacity (density = 0.803) | 23,860 litres |
Imperial
Dimensions
| Overall length | 184 ft 3 in |
| Height | 56 ft 7 in |
| Wing span | 147 ft 2 in |
| Loadable volume length | 128 ft 3 in |
| Loadable cross-section max width | 23 ft 3 in |
| Loadable cross-section max height | 23 ft 3 in |
| Loadable cross-section max width | 23 ft 3 in |
Performance
| Max payload | 88,184 lb |
| Max range | 892 nm |
| Max take-off Weight | 341,716 lb |
| Max landing weight | 308,647 lb |
| Max zero fuel weight | 294,978 lb |
| Max fuel capacity (density = 0.803) | 78,484 lb |
Speed and efficiency
The BelugaST’s semi-automated main deck cargo loading system ensures easy and efficient handling of payloads.
To maximise the BelugaST’s turnaround capability in commercial service, new loading techniques and equipment are being developed – including an automated On-Board Cargo Loader (OBCL) for missions where a loading/unloading platform is not available at the origin or destination airport.
Flight deck
The BelugaST retains the same flight deck that is in worldwide operation on Airbus A300-600s and A310s.
Included in the cockpit are controls for a transportable heating module that can be installed in the main deck cargo compartment. This module provides temperature-controlled conditions for sensitive payloads carried by the BelugaST, including satellites – and even paintings.
