Beluga-2 project

[ucon]

On April, 6, Myasishchev EMZ will start consultations with Airbus, an EADS company, on developement of folow-on to Airbus A300-600ST Super Transporter, widely known as Beluga. New airplane is intended for transportation of A380 fuselage and wing parts to Toulouse, France.

EMZ offer is a modification of VM-T Atlant (3M-T), used for Energia launcher components and Buran orbiter transportation in late 80s. VM-T modifications were recently performed at Ryazan aircraft repair factory.

New project got Beluga-2 designation.

Avico Press Information

 

[Matej]

Interesting. But what is the airframe condition of the VM-T? Can it be in service as long as Super Guppys or Belugas? Also - does it fit the Stage III for operations in EU flight zones?

 

[robunos]

does it fit the Stage III for operations in EU flight zones?

according to ucon's drawings, it's going to be re-engined with PW4168A engines.

cheers,
Robin.

 

[ouroboros]

You would think a Beluga2 would be more likely an A380 derivative, to capitalize on infrastructure and design work that went into the original Beluga...

 

[Vahe Demirjian]

Airbus has already built a new-generation Beluga freighter based on the Airbus A330. Guess the joint Myasishchev-Airbus proposal for using the M-4 to transport A380 fuselages was a bit technically risky to be a practical proposition.

 

[Grey Havoc]

Myasishchev VM-T Atlant: The Primordial Titan (II).

Really nice pic of the Atlant, first carrier for both the Buran shuttle and the Energiya booster. Now a museum piece, the Atlant has the “Egg” on his back; Payload 3GT -the “Egg&#…

elpoderdelasgalaxias.wordpress.com

 

[Jason Dykstra (Wyvern)]

Airbus has already built a new-generation Beluga freighter based on the Airbus A330. Guess the joint Myasishchev-Airbus proposal for using the M-4 to transport A380 fuselages was a bit technically risky to be a practical proposition.

Here she is: