BelugaST

For outsized cargo transport

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 A300-600ST Super Transporter, the company’s five existing Belugas play a key role in keeping its production and assembly network operating at full capacity, with the fleet’s overall pace of operations – managed by the Airbus Transport International (ATI) subsidiary – growing to support production ramp-ups.

The BelugaST’s maiden flight took place in September, 1994 and was awarded certification from the airworthiness authority in October 1995.

In 2020, Airbus began phasing in its fleet of six new-generation BelugaXL versions – which will operate in parallel with the five in-service A300-600STs before replacing them completely.

Key figures BelugaST

Overall length 56.16 m 184 ft 3 in

Height 17.22 m 56 ft 6 in

Wing span 44.84 m 147 ft 2 in

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*	47 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

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*	103,617 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

(* ) Aircraft weights and capabilities shown are the highest values. Ranges shown are at max payload.

Airlifter extraordinaire

With more than 20 years of reliable service, the BelugaST airlifts complete sections of Airbus aircraft from different production sites around Europe to the final assembly lines in Toulouse, France and Hamburg, Germany. The five-aircraft fleet of A300-600ST Belugas – operated by the Airbus Transport International (ATI) subsidiary – carries major components (fuselage sections, wings and tails) for Airbus’ single-aisle A320 Family, widebody A330 and A350 families and A400M.

ATI ensures a high level of customer satisfaction with loading, unloading, and delivery designed to be fast, safe, flexible, and reliable – as demonstrated by over two decades of successful operations throughout the world.

The BelugaST also is used for special worldwide operations for other Airbus payloads such as helicopters, satellite components or complete satellites.

Speed and efficiency

The semi-automated main deck cargo loading system ensures easy and efficient handling of payloads, controlled by the trained crews of Airbus Transport International – which operates the five-aircraft BelugaST fleet.

Flight deck

The BelugaST retains the same flight deck that is in worldwide operation on Airbus A300-600s and A310s.

It is flown by two pilots. The main instrument panel incorporates six cathode ray tube (CRT) displays that continuously provide flight, navigation and systems-monitoring information in a clear, comprehensive manner.

Also included in the cockpit are controls for a transportable heating module that can be installed in the main deck cargo compartment. The module provides temperature-controlled conditions for sensitive payloads carried by the BelugaST, including satellites – and even paintings.