edit: apparently the Super Guppies were replaced by the BelugaXL
Which, like, can you imagine the conversation between whoever designed that nose profile and their boss… “It’s more aerodynamic boss. honest!”… “it’s not because we’re calling this thing a beluga?” … “maybe not just…”
Looks coincidental to me, it’s just a large bulbous compartment on top of what would otherwise look like a regular planes nose. Be interesting to hear interviews though, I wouldn’t be surprised if an external party to the design team discovered the similarity, I work with aerospace engineer’s and they are typically so in the weeds and technical that I would actually be shocked if they realized the similarity before someone else pointed it out. Not trying to throw shade or anything, incredibly smart and educated folks.
one of these?
edit: apparently the Super Guppies were replaced by the BelugaXL
Which, like, can you imagine the conversation between whoever designed that nose profile and their boss… “It’s more aerodynamic boss. honest!”… “it’s not because we’re calling this thing a beluga?” … “maybe not just…”
It’s not more aerodynamic. It’s because of the large, flat-floored cargo area and decision to place the cockpit below it.
The beluga nickname came well into the development process. It was the “Super Transport” until the nickname caught on.
It’s more aerodynamic than a brick.
Yes, the cockpit was under sling to make space for cargo, but they didn’t have to make that look like a beluga nose.
Looks coincidental to me, it’s just a large bulbous compartment on top of what would otherwise look like a regular planes nose. Be interesting to hear interviews though, I wouldn’t be surprised if an external party to the design team discovered the similarity, I work with aerospace engineer’s and they are typically so in the weeds and technical that I would actually be shocked if they realized the similarity before someone else pointed it out. Not trying to throw shade or anything, incredibly smart and educated folks.
That last one is adorable. I want to smush its forehead.