PPRuNe Forums - Beluga markings

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c52	26th Mar 2020 11:42

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by c52 (Post 10728755)

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	26th Mar 2020 19:50

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveReidUK (Post 10729275)

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bidule (Post 10729572)

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveReidUK (Post 10729645)

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	29th Mar 2020 10:34

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bidule (Post 10731900)

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

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