The Airbus A300-600ST (Super Transporter) or Beluga,
is a version of the standard A300-600 wide-body airliner
modified to carry aircraft parts and over-sized or awkward cargo. It was
officially called the Super Transporter at first, but the name Beluga
became popular and has now been officially adopted.
Construction
began in September 1992, and the first flight took place in September 1994.
After 335 hours of test flying, certification was awarded in October 1995, and
the A300-600ST "Beluga" entered service. Four more Belugas were
constructed, at a rate of roughly one per year, and all five remain in regular
service. Their primary task is to carry Airbus components ready for final
assembly across Europe to Toulouse or Hamburg, but they are also available for
charter work, and have been used to carry a variety of special loads, including
space station components, large, very delicate artwork, industrial machinery,
and entire helicopters.
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