How is the Beluga XL aerodynamic with its unique structure?

Beluga XL is definitely one of the most distinct-looking airplanes that have a unique structure. First, its unique structure is one of the reasons why you might probably think Beluga XL is not aerodynamic. Beluga XL was built in France, and the flight test conducted with the aircraft was a success after it traveled for about 4 hours and some minutes.

Beluga XL looks like a white whale, and if you look at the aircraft, it has a striking resemblance with a species of white whales known as Beluga. Beluga XL is aerodynamic because the manufacturers of the aircraft studied a live whale and the ease with which it moves under the water. The manufacturers decided to use the body structure of the whale, and after this, a series of aerodynamic simulation was performed on it. Beluga XL is 63.1m-long and 18.9m-high. Beluga XL is also known as the whale of the sky.

The Beluga XL is a large and heavy-lift aircraft developed by Airbus. This aircraft was named after the Beluga whale because of the similarities in shape. The aircraft also has an extra bubble section which makes it look more like the Beluga whale. The aircraft is due to begin service in 2020.

Many will think because of the large and unique shape of the aircraft, aerodynamics might be difficult. It will amaze you to know that certain features were structurally placed to assist with aerodynamics.

The Beluga XL has a fuselage that is equipped with long and thin wings that have a wing area of 361.6m². It also has a wingspan of 60.3m. These special features aid aerodynamics.

The wing structures are also made from carbon fiber polymer, this helps increase the efficiency of the aerodynamics of the Beluga XL.

The Beluga XL is a heavy-lift transport aircraft developed by the French aircraft manufacturer Airbus. It’s name comes from the Beluga whale because of its great size. Set to begin its service in 2019, these aircraft will take on the task of transporting large components of Airbus aircraft from production facilities all over Europe to their final locations of assembly.

The great challenge is that this unique aircraft is much larger with an enlarged upper area. This cargo airlifter is 63.1m long and 18.9m high. It’s basic structure is set to the Airbus A330-200 freight carrying aircraft. The top area has a bubble like frame and has an 8m long, 2.1t enlarged upper fuselage with a spacious cargo bay. But this is issue in question. How can this structure be aerodynamic with such a structure?

The Beluga XL comes with a fuselage that has long and thin wings covering a wing area of 361.6m2and it also has a wingspan of 60.3m. The tail has one vertical fin with twin horizontal stabilisers and a pair of auxiliary vertical tailplane end-fins. This specially developed wing and tail features are a great benefit to the aircraft aerodynamics. The wing is carbon-fibre reinforced polymer, and it enables increased aerodynamic capabilities for this huge aircraft.