View Full Version : Beluga markings
Belugas are marked with a giant number 1 / 2 / 3 etc as were the Super Guppies before them. Why is Airbus the only operator that greatly values being able to identify its planes at a distance?
dixi188
26th Mar 2020, 12:56
Gerry Anderson did it with Thunderbirds.
ATNotts
26th Mar 2020, 14:09
Belugas are marked with a giant number 1 / 2 / 3 etc as were the Super Guppies before them. Why is Airbus the only operator that greatly values being able to identify its planes at a distance?
Weren't / aren't water bombers in the US and Canada also marked with large numbers on their tails too? Conair comes to mind.
An images search suggests that some water bombers do.
DaveReidUK
26th Mar 2020, 20:37
In case anyone might be thinking it's too straightforward - Airbus currently operates 6 Belugas, with fleet numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 2. :O
Bidule
27th Mar 2020, 06:22
In case anyone might be thinking it's too straightforward - Airbus currently operates 6 Belugas, with fleet numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 2. :O
The 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are Belugas.
The "second" 2 is Beluga XL.
.
DaveReidUK
27th Mar 2020, 08:27
The 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are Belugas.
The "second" 2 is Beluga XL..
Correct.
Still doesn't explain why the XL numbering doesn't simply follow on from the original A300 Belugas.
Bidule
29th Mar 2020, 10:11
Correct.
Still doesn't explain why the XL numbering doesn't simply follow on from the original A300 Belugas.
I would guess it is because the types are different. The Beluga is an A300 (A300B4-608ST) aircraft and the Beluga XL an A330 (A330-743L).
.
But if you're bored in the control tower and want to shout out "Come in, No. 2, your time's up" it doesn't work if there are two #2s.
DaveReidUK
29th Mar 2020, 11:51
I would guess it is because the types are different. The Beluga is an A300 (A300B4-608ST) aircraft and the Beluga XL an A330 (A330-743L).
.
Sounds like somebody at Toulouse must have had a "duh" moment. :O