Plane of the Day: The Airbus Beluga XL

This true mammoth of a plane, with its iconic bloated top and slender bottom fuselage, was designed by Airbus to transport planes and other massive cargo. With a massive door that swings upwards for easy loading and an almost unmatched capacity, this "super transporter" really lives up to its name.

Specifications

Country of Origin: France

Speed: 537.088 mph

Max Takeoff Weight: 341,717 lbs

Range: 1,727 mi

Powerplant: 2 General Electric CF6-80C2A8 turbofan engines

Crew: 2

Service Ceiling: 35,000 ft

Length: 184 ft 3 in

Wingspan: 147 ft 1 in

Height: 56 ft 7 in