Loading a CH53 into a Beluga aircraft
Airbus Defence and Space has developed and tested a loading system to lift outsized military cargo into the Airbus Beluga A300-600ST aircraft. The capability was successfully trialled during a verification exercise with the Bundeswehr, the German armed forces, the system’s first customer, by loading a CH53 military medium-lift helicopter into the Beluga.
The new self-funded cargo loading system and jig, developed by engineers at Airbus Defence and Space, have now been unveiled to customer representatives from international armed forces following the verification event in Manching, north of Munich.
The system was developed and manufactured from scratch in 1.5 years – from the initial exchange of ideas with the German customer to its verification, which is still subject to final confirmation by the Bundeswehr in the coming weeks. (cj)