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Boeing 767F vs. Airbus Beluga

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767F

vs.

Beluga

First Flight
19821994
Length
54 m180 ft
56 m184 ft
Wingspan
47 m156 ft
44 m147 ft
Wing Area
283 m²3,049 ft²
260 m²2,798 ft²
Fuselage Width
5 m16 ft
7 m25 ft
Height
16 m55 ft
17 m56 ft
Cargo Capacity
54 t119,000 lbs
47 t103,000 lbs
Max Takeoff Weight
187 t412,000 lbs
155 t341,700 lbs
Number of Engines
22
Engine Manufacturer & Model
Pratt & Whitney PW4000 / CFM International CF6 / Rolls-Royce RB211General Electric CF6
Max Thrust Per Engine
274 kN61,500 lbf
257 kN58,000 lbf
Max Total Thrust
548 kN0 lbf
514 kN116,000 lbf
Fuel Capacity
90,770 l23,982 gal
62,000 l16,380 gal
Range
6,000 km3,240 nm
1,650 km891 nm
Cruise Speed
854 km/h531 mph
864 km/h537 mph

What Are the Differences Between the Boeing 767F and Airbus Beluga

Boeing 767F vs Airbus Beluga Size Comparison

  • With a length of 56.20 meters, the Airbus Beluga is 1.30 meters longer than the Boeing 767F.
  • The Boeing 767F and Airbus Beluga have heights of 16.80 meters and 17.30 meters respectively - making the Airbus Beluga 0.50 meters taller.

Boeing 767F vs Airbus Beluga Cargo Capacity

  • The Boeing 767F can carry about 54 tons of cargo, while the Airbus Beluga can hold about 47 tons . Head to head, the Boeing 767F has approximately 7 tons more of cargo capacity.

About the Boeing 767F

The Boeing 767 Freighter (767-300F) is a cargo aircraft developed by Boeing, based on the passenger model Boeing 767. Introduced in 1993, it has become one of the most popular cargo aircraft globally, recognized for its versatility and efficiency in various cargo operations.

Production History: The Boeing 767 Freighter's journey began with the launch of the Boeing 767 program in 1978. The prototype first flew in 1981, with the initial 767-200 variant entering service in 1982. The 767-300F, the production freighter version of the 767, debuted in October 1995. This model was designed to complement larger aircraft like the 747, offering a smaller fuselage suitable for medium-sized cargo operations​​​​. While production for passenger 767 aircraft has ceased, Boeing continues to deliver cargo variants as of 2024.

Design Features: The Boeing 767-300F has a length of 54.9 meters, a wingspan of 47.6 meters, and a height of 15.9 meters. It is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW4000 or General Electric CF6-80C2 engines. The aircraft's maximum takeoff weight is 186 tons, and it can carry a maximum payload of 52.7 tons. Its cargo hold dimensions are about 5 m x 4 m x 17 m, making it capable of transporting a wide range of cargo, including containers, pallets, cars, and oversized items. The main deck has a cargo door and crew exit, while the lower deck has two right-side doors and one left-side door.

Operational History: Since its introduction, the Boeing 767 Freighter has been used by numerous airlines and cargo carriers worldwide, including FedEx, UPS, DHL, Amazon Air, and ABX Air. Its ability to transport various cargo types efficiently over domestic and international routes has made it a valuable asset in the global air cargo industry​​.

Similar Freighter Models: Comparable aircraft to the Boeing 767 Freighter include the Boeing 777, Airbus A300-600F, and Antonov An-70.

About the Airbus Beluga

The Airbus Beluga, officially designated as the A300-600ST Super Transporter, is a highly specialized wide-body aircraft developed by Airbus. It is uniquely designed for transporting oversized cargo, particularly aircraft parts, earning its name due to its resemblance to the Beluga whale.

Production History: The Beluga's development was initiated as a replacement for the Super Guppies, which were used for transporting large Airbus components. Construction of the first Beluga began in September 1992, and it made its maiden flight in September 1994. The aircraft was a result of Airbus's decision to develop an air-based solution for transporting major components, as surface transportation methods were deemed time-consuming and unreliable. Five Beluga aircraft were eventually built, with modifications performed in Toulouse using components from the Airbus assembly line.

Design Features: Based on the Airbus A300, the Beluga features substantial design modifications to accommodate large cargo. The upper part of its fuselage forms a distinctive horseshoe-shaped structure, allowing for the transport of outsized items. The Beluga's freight compartment measures 7.4 meters in diameter and 37.7 meters in length, with a maximum payload capacity of 47 tonnes. It is powered by General Electric CF6-80C2 turbofan engines, providing enhanced capabilities compared to its predecessors.

Operational History: The Beluga fleet primarily carries Airbus components ready for final assembly across Europe, operating 60 times per week. Operated by Airbus Transport International, a subsidiary of Airbus Group, the fleet also offers charter flight services for third-party clients. The Beluga has been utilized for various special loads, including space station components and large artwork.

Similar Freighter Models: The Airbus Beluga occupies a unique niche in the freighter market. While there are other large cargo aircraft like the Antonov An-124 or Boeing's Dreamlifter, the Beluga is specifically tailored for Airbus' internal logistical needs, focusing on the transport of aircraft parts. In January of 2020, Airbus introduced the BelugaXL - an oversized A330 meant to replace the original Beluga fleet.

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Values shown may not be 100% accurate, as some metrics are averages or only represent certain production years and configurations. Engine specs are based on the best options available.

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