Beluga markings

[c52]

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]

Gerry Anderson did it with Thunderbirds.

[ATNotts]

Originally Posted by c52

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.

[c52]

An images search suggests that some water bombers do.

[DaveReidUK]

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.

[Bidule]

Originally Posted by DaveReidUK

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.

The 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are Belugas.
The "second" 2 is Beluga XL.
.

[DaveReidUK]

Originally Posted by Bidule

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]

Originally Posted by DaveReidUK

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).
.

[c52]

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]

Originally Posted by Bidule

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.