Can whales get ready for test flights? You bet: The Airbus Beluga XL
HYDRO delivers jack and leveling systems for the next generation of Airbus transport aircraft
It was just under 20 years ago that Airbus launched its first very own transport aircraft: the Beluga. And now, two decades later, there are five Beluga ST transporters (A300-600ST) commuting between the various Airbus plants day in, day out. However, this first generation of Belugas from the 90s is starting to get a bit long in the tooth, and a new transport aircraft with more space is required due both to cost effectiveness and logistics. Wondering why? Well, just for reference, consider the fact that a Beluga ST is not able to hold more than one wing for the new A350 model, i.e., the transport aircraft needs to make the same trip to Toulouse twice in order to make it possible to build an A350.
This is why Airbus recently developed a new generation of transport aircraft – the Beluga XL – on the basis of the A330. The new aircraft’s fuselage can hold two wings for an A350 and is a total of six meters longer and has a total diameter of one meter more than its predecessor.
Jack and leveling system for loading and unloading
It was in 2016 that Airbus started thinking about getting a revamped jack and leveling system (JLS) for the Beluga XL. And HYDRO was a strong contender from the get-go, as its components have been used for loading and unloading since the start of Airbus’ internal transport operations with the Beluga – beginning with the JLS “Retro” in 1995 and finally with the JLS “Indoor” in 2014. This experience eventually proved to be crucial, and HYDRO was able to win the contract for the Beluga XL in 2016.
Holding things in the balance with cargo units of up to 45 metric tons
Basically put, the jacking and leveling system (JLS) is supposed to support and stabilize the Beluga XL during loading and unloading. And with some of the individual cargo units weighing up to 45 metric tons, it certainly comes as no surprise that it’s extremely important for the aircraft to remain balanced throughout the whole loading process!
This is why the JLS is made up of a two-level tripod-jack, a hydraulic support, and a central control unit. While the main function of the tripod-jack at the Beluga’s nose is to absorb the loads produced during loading, the rear support is supposed to compensate for the deflection and rebound of the Beluga’s main landing gear during loading and unloading. The result? The fuselage is protected from overloading. Moreover, the JLS includes a host of invaluable functions, such as the rear jack’s highlight: its ability to automatically and dynamically adapt to the load situation. In other words, to follow the main landing gear’s deflection and rebound. In fact, this capability is further enhanced by the fact that the spring characteristic activated for these operations varies based on the aircraft model and wind speed so as to achieve optimum results.
Finally, the CCP is the JLS’ command center, and is used to monitor and control the entire system during the leveling, loading, unloading, and removal process steps.
Jack and leveling system for 12 locations around the world
In January, the Beluga XL rolled out of the production building for the first time, and a series of comprehensive tests were conducted with the JLS after that. In addition, the machine has already gotten its two engines and its first test flight has been scheduled for the summer, so if everything goes as planned, the first unit will start normal operation in 2019.
A JLS system is needed at every Airbus location where a Beluga is loaded or unloaded. Accordingly, we’ll be delivering twelve additional systems by 2020.