Description
- Brand new plastic snap-fit model of Airbus Beluga 1 Commercial Aircraft Airbus Beluga (F-GSTA) White with Blue Tail (Snap-Fit) 1/200 plastic model by Skymarks.
- Brand new box.
- Authentic markings.
- True-to-scale detail.
- Includes display stand.
- Simple snap-fit design.
- Vintage style packaging.
- Officially licensed product.
- Contains 10 detailed parts.
- Highly realistic snap-fit model.
- Made of durable plastic material.
- Manufacturer’s original unopened packaging.
- Dimensions approximately L-11, W-8.75 inches assembled.
- Each model arrives with the fuselage, wings, engines, and tail surfaces packaged separately and can be easily snapped together in minutes with no paint or glue required.
HISTORY ASPECTS:
The Airbus Beluga A300-600ST, registered F-GSTA, is an iconic aircraft known for its distinctive whale-like appearance and its vital role in transporting oversized cargo. Entering service in September 1995, F-GSTA was the first of five Belugas built to address Airbus’s need for a specialized transporter capable of carrying large aircraft parts between its manufacturing sites across Europe. The Beluga’s unique design, featuring an extended upper fuselage and a large cargo hold, allows it to transport wings, fuselage sections, and other components that would be impossible to move using standard cargo planes.
F-GSTA, also known as Beluga #1, has been instrumental in ensuring the smooth and efficient production of Airbus’s commercial airliners. The aircraft’s maximum payload of 47 tons and its cargo bay dimensions of 7.1 meters in diameter and 37.7 meters in length enable it to carry the largest sections of aircraft with ease. Its primary routes connect key Airbus facilities in Toulouse, Hamburg, Broughton, and Seville, among others. The Beluga’s reliability and capacity have significantly reduced the time and cost associated with moving large parts by road or sea.
In 2019, F-GSTA was repainted in Airbus’s new livery, featuring a modern and vibrant design that emphasizes the Beluga’s playful and recognizable shape. This new color scheme aligns with Airbus’s brand evolution and enhances the visual appeal of the aircraft. Despite being over two decades old, F-GSTA continues to serve Airbus’s logistical needs, demonstrating the longevity and versatility of the A300-600ST platform. The success of the Beluga fleet has even led to the development of the next-generation BelugaXL, ensuring that Airbus can meet future demands for oversized cargo transport.