Aircraft
Airbus Prepares To Fly BelugaXL Behemoth
First flight is expected later this year.
Ground testing included weighing the BelugaXL at “pitch nine” configuration, raising the nose by almost 12 feet. Full-scale static-load structural tests have been performed on the junction points of the upper “bubble” and the lower fuselage, a rarity on a test airframe that is ultimately meant for flight.
Ground testing included weighing the BelugaXL at “pitch nine” configuration, raising the nose by almost 12 feet. Full-scale static-load structural tests have been performed on the junction points of the upper “bubble” and the lower fuselage, a rarity on a test airframe that is ultimately meant for flight.

Airbus will perform around 600 hours of flight-test and certification flying on the new BelugaXL special heavy-lift aircraft, which unofficial sources suggest could fly as early as this week. Following a 10-month program, the design is expected to receive EASA airworthiness-approval as a derivative of the A330-300F freighter.