this post was submitted on 18 Jan 2026
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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.
I mean, the paint to make it look more beluga-like was definitely intentional...