An outsized cargo "Beluga" derivative of the Airbus A340 is being proposed by Super Airbus Transport International (SATIC) as an option for delivering A3XX subassemblies to the final assembly line.
SATIC, the Aerospatiale/ Daimler-Benz Aerospace (Dasa) joint venture responsible for the design and manufacture of the original A300-600-based Super Transporter (ST) "Beluga", is examining several outsized cargo developments of other Airbus models. During 1998, SATIC will deliver the last of four A300-600STs ordered by Airbus to replace the Super Guppy turboprops, moving subassemblies between the partners' factories.
SATIC's chairman Ugo Dräger says that the company may start work on an Airbus option for a fifth A300 ST later this year.
Dräger says that SATIC is now "preparing a number of potential freighter projects" based primarily around the A330/A340 airframe. "In principle it is possible to upgrade the A340 in a similar way to the [A300] Beluga, but it would be larger and therefore could carry more components." Studies range from a simple side-cargo door equipped A340 version, through to a full "Beluga" A340-300. Another proposal combines the standard maindeck with the lower nose and cockpit of the Beluga and a forward, upward-opening cargo door.
The existing Beluga has a cargo bay diameter of 7.4m, and Dräger estimates that this would have to be increased to around 10m for the A340 version to carry the larger A3XX subassemblies, such as fuselage sections. Studies are based on the A340-300 airframe "for the time being", says Dräger, but adds that an even larger version could be developed from the stretched A340-500/600, when it becomes available in 2002. A330-based derivatives have also been studied.
Dräger emphasises that the various studies are simply "possibilities" at the moment, but expects more definitive plans to be agreed upon in the coming weeks.The plans are being treated with caution by senior Airbus executives.
Significantly SATIC recently demonstrated an A300 Beluga at Boeing field, Seattle,during a cargo industry symposium. Dräger sees the Beluga as an ideal way to speed up Boeing's component transportation, which at the moment relies on road, rail or ship transportation. "For sure Boeing will think about the air transportation of parts," says Dräger, but he concedes that there has so far been "no reaction" from the US manufacturer about leasing the Beluga.
Source: Flight International
