Unique Planes

There are a number of unique planes that operate around the world. These planes are unique for many different reasons. Today I will look at some of these unique planes and what makes them so unique.

Airbus Beluga XL

The Airbus Beluga XL was launched in 2014. It is derived from the A330 and was produced to support the A350's ramp-up as well as other production increases. The type took its maiden flight in 2018 with type certification in November 2019. It first entered service in January 2020. The type operates across 11 destinations in Europe and allows Airbus to meet its production and delivery commitments. By the end of 2023, 6 Beluga XL's will replace the Beluga ST fleet. The aircraft is 63.10 metres long, 18.90 metres high and has a wingspan of 60.30 metres. It has an enlarged cargo bay structure with 30% more transport capacity. This increase in capacity means the Beluga XL can transport 2 A350 wings instead of one like the Beluga ST fleet. It has a max payload of 51 tonnes and a range of 4000km.

Boeing Dreamlifter

Boeing developed the dreamlifter aircraft to transport components for its 787 Dreamliners to US factories. Boeing converted 4 passenger 747-400's with the converted aircraft having a bulging fuselage. The first Dreamlifter rolled out of the factory in Taiwan in September 2006. Boeing outsourced the operation if these aircraft to Evergreen International Airlines. However, in 2010, it lost its contract to Atlas Air. The Dreamlifter is longer, taller and has a wider fuselage than the 747 but has a wingspan identical to the 747-400. When fully loaded the aircraft had a range of 4200 nautical miles.

747 Super Tanker

The 747 Super Tanker is the world's largest fire fighting aircraft. The 747-400 was originally delivered as a passenger aircraft to Japan Airlines in 1992. In 2009 it was converted to a freighter and was turned into the Super Tanker in 2014. The aircraft can drop water or fire retardant from as low as 200 feet above the ground. This means that the aircraft flies configured for landing approach with flaps and slats extended to maximise lift at low speed. Its tanks can hold around 72,000 litres (19,000 US gallons) of water or fire retardant which is released through 4 tubes in the bottom of the plane. The aircraft can operate anywhere in the world and can be anywhere within North America within 5 hours and anywhere in the world within 20 hours (including a refuelling stop). Impressively, this huge aircraft can be refilled with water or fire retardant in only 30 minutes.

Hopefully this post had given you an insight into some unique planes that, while you may not see everyday are very interesting to look at and serve a unique purpose.

If you would like any more unique planes covered in another blog post please let us know by leaving a comment below or on our forum.