2024年5月18日发(作者：范元忠)
博学笃行 自强不息
a300-600st
A300-600ST: A Groundbreaking Aircraft in Transporting
Oversized Cargo
Introduction
The A300-600ST, also known as the Super Transporter or
Beluga, is a unique aircraft specifically designed for the
transportation of oversized cargo. Developed and
manufactured by Airbus, this distinctive-looking aircraft has
played a significant role in facilitating the movement of large
and irregularly shaped cargo, including aircraft parts,
satellites, and even works of art. In this document, we will
explore the history, design, capabilities, and key applications
of the A300-600ST.
History and Development
The A300-600ST was derived from Airbus' popular A300
passenger aircraft. In the late 1980s, Airbus recognized the
need for an air transport solution capable of carrying
oversized cargo, especially for its own aircraft manufacturing
operations. With this requirement in mind, the concept for
1
博学笃行 自强不息
the A300-600ST was born. The aircraft was specifically
designed to have a voluminous cargo hold, capable of
accommodating large fuselage sections and other
components of Airbus aircraft.
The first A300-600ST made its maiden flight in September
1994, and shortly after, it was put into service by Airbus
Transport International, a subsidiary of Airbus responsible for
the operation and management of the Beluga fleet.
Design and Features
The most prominent feature of the A300-600ST is its unique
appearance, which resembles a beluga whale, hence its
nickname. This distinctive design allows the aircraft to
maximize its cargo capacity, thanks to the enlarged cargo
hold section, which is nearly 40% larger than that of the base
A300 aircraft.
The cargo hold, which has a length of 37.7 meters, a width of
7.4 meters, and a height of 7.4 meters, enables the A300-
600ST to transport oversized cargo weighing up to 47 metric
tons. Furthermore, the aircraft's hinged nose section can be
opened, allowing cargo to be loaded and unloaded efficiently.
This feature, coupled with a rear-loading ramp, makes the
2
博学笃行 自强不息
A300-600ST extremely versatile in handling a wide range of
cargo types.
In terms of performance, the A300-600ST is powered by two
General Electric CF6-80C2A8 engines, delivering a maximum
thrust of 292 kN per engine. It has a maximum takeoff weight
of 155 metric tons and a cruising speed of 740 km/h, allowing
it to cover considerable distances efficiently.
Key Applications
The primary purpose of the A300-600ST is to transport
oversized cargo, primarily serving the needs of Airbus in
transporting aircraft components between its various
manufacturing facilities across Europe. This includes carrying
wings, fuselage sections, and vertical tailplanes. The Beluga
fleet also serves as a vital link in the global supply chain for
Airbus' production and assembly operations.
Aside from internal Airbus operations, the A300-600ST has
been leased to other organizations and governments for
various purposes. This includes the transportation of satellites
for international space agencies and the movement of other
large and sensitive cargo, such as military equipment.
3
博学笃行 自强不息
Conclusion
The A300-600ST, or Super Transporter, has undoubtedly
cemented its place in aviation history by revolutionizing the
transportation of oversized cargo. Its unique design, spacious
cargo hold, and efficient loading capabilities have made it an
indispensable asset for Airbus and other organizations
requiring the transportation of large and irregularly shaped
cargo. As the demand for oversized cargo transportation
continues to grow, the A300-600ST's legacy as a reliable
workhorse in this specialized field will undoubtedly endure.
4
2024年5月18日发(作者：范元忠)
博学笃行 自强不息
a300-600st
A300-600ST: A Groundbreaking Aircraft in Transporting
Oversized Cargo
Introduction
The A300-600ST, also known as the Super Transporter or
Beluga, is a unique aircraft specifically designed for the
transportation of oversized cargo. Developed and
manufactured by Airbus, this distinctive-looking aircraft has
played a significant role in facilitating the movement of large
and irregularly shaped cargo, including aircraft parts,
satellites, and even works of art. In this document, we will
explore the history, design, capabilities, and key applications
of the A300-600ST.
History and Development
The A300-600ST was derived from Airbus' popular A300
passenger aircraft. In the late 1980s, Airbus recognized the
need for an air transport solution capable of carrying
oversized cargo, especially for its own aircraft manufacturing
operations. With this requirement in mind, the concept for
1
博学笃行 自强不息
the A300-600ST was born. The aircraft was specifically
designed to have a voluminous cargo hold, capable of
accommodating large fuselage sections and other
components of Airbus aircraft.
The first A300-600ST made its maiden flight in September
1994, and shortly after, it was put into service by Airbus
Transport International, a subsidiary of Airbus responsible for
the operation and management of the Beluga fleet.
Design and Features
The most prominent feature of the A300-600ST is its unique
appearance, which resembles a beluga whale, hence its
nickname. This distinctive design allows the aircraft to
maximize its cargo capacity, thanks to the enlarged cargo
hold section, which is nearly 40% larger than that of the base
A300 aircraft.
The cargo hold, which has a length of 37.7 meters, a width of
7.4 meters, and a height of 7.4 meters, enables the A300-
600ST to transport oversized cargo weighing up to 47 metric
tons. Furthermore, the aircraft's hinged nose section can be
opened, allowing cargo to be loaded and unloaded efficiently.
This feature, coupled with a rear-loading ramp, makes the
2
博学笃行 自强不息
A300-600ST extremely versatile in handling a wide range of
cargo types.
In terms of performance, the A300-600ST is powered by two
General Electric CF6-80C2A8 engines, delivering a maximum
thrust of 292 kN per engine. It has a maximum takeoff weight
of 155 metric tons and a cruising speed of 740 km/h, allowing
it to cover considerable distances efficiently.
Key Applications
The primary purpose of the A300-600ST is to transport
oversized cargo, primarily serving the needs of Airbus in
transporting aircraft components between its various
manufacturing facilities across Europe. This includes carrying
wings, fuselage sections, and vertical tailplanes. The Beluga
fleet also serves as a vital link in the global supply chain for
Airbus' production and assembly operations.
Aside from internal Airbus operations, the A300-600ST has
been leased to other organizations and governments for
various purposes. This includes the transportation of satellites
for international space agencies and the movement of other
large and sensitive cargo, such as military equipment.
3
博学笃行 自强不息
Conclusion
The A300-600ST, or Super Transporter, has undoubtedly
cemented its place in aviation history by revolutionizing the
transportation of oversized cargo. Its unique design, spacious
cargo hold, and efficient loading capabilities have made it an
indispensable asset for Airbus and other organizations
requiring the transportation of large and irregularly shaped
cargo. As the demand for oversized cargo transportation
continues to grow, the A300-600ST's legacy as a reliable
workhorse in this specialized field will undoubtedly endure.
4