Strange objects in the sky
 

I was on the A525 at the top of the hill above Coedpoeth yesterday morning, about 9am when I saw something in the sky, quite low, presumably heading to Liverpool airport. It was so weird-looking that it made me do a comedy double-take, which wasn't good at 70+mph ... I had to stop and watch it fly over:

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...cropped%29.jpg

Re: Strange objects in the sky
 

It transports aircraft parts for assembly between the BAE systems sites, probably heading towards Wharton or Salmesbury

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Re: Strange objects in the sky
 

It lands at Hawarden airport (Airbus) near Chester. It leaves a couple of hours later full of A320 wings.

Watched No2 land this morning (there are currently 5). The XL version (yes your picture is of the small one) will be visiting in Feb 19, when it enters service.

The Beluga is basically an A330 with a larger fuselage which hinges at the front for cargo loading.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...7b6b077d2a.jpg

Re: Strange objects in the sky
 

Ooh, thanks both, I hadn't thought about the Airbus factory near Hawarden. Wasn't what I expected to see at 9 on a Sunday morning :)

Re: Strange objects in the sky
 

It carries wings from Broughton (Hawarden) to Toulouse for integration into aircraft. You most likely saw a Beluga as they are called.

Wings for the A380 are too large to be transported this way, so go by barge down the Dee, then transferred to a ship and transported by sea. I'm not sure if the Beluga XL will be able to carry these.

Re: Strange objects in the sky
 

Beluga XL will be visiting today at around 15:30.

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Re: Strange objects in the sky
 

F-XBXLhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...d0d661610c.jpg

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Re: Strange objects in the sky
 

Great pic, Grant. They look so weird in the air!