Scaled Composites Airbus belugaXXL A-330-743L

Mystery Spotter 🇪🇸

05 May 2026 · © Adri planes

Spotted in Madrid Barajas (LEMD)during the landing in runway 36L

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Aircraft

Airbus belugaXXL A-330-743L Rutan Model 348 White Knight Two

Virgin Galactic

Airline

Virgin Galactic

Manufacturer

Scaled Composites

Achievements

Rare Bird

Badge earned

Location

Towers kio

Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport · MAD/LEMD · Runway 36L

40.4588, -3.6902

Open map

Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport MAD

Airport

Insights

Aviation History

WhiteKnightTwo is notable for its role as a mothership for Virgin Galactic\'s SpaceShipTwo, designed for commercial spaceflight launches.

Fleet Rarity

Only two flightworthy examples built (VMS Eve and VMS Spirit of Steve Fossett). Extremely rare in aviation.

Record Flights

Performed first captive carry flight with SpaceShipTwo in 2010.

Safety & Events

First mothership to carry commercial spaceplanes to launch altitude. Featured in multiple Virgin Galactic test flights.

Future Outlook

Still flying as of 2024, active in Virgin Galactic commercial spaceflight missions.

Specifications

Pratt & Whitney Canada PW308

Engine

43.03 meters

Wingspan

23.7 meters

Length

4,000 kilometers

Range

850 km/h

Speed

Crew: 2

Capacity

100,000 kilograms

MTOW

7.6 meters

Height

2 x 30.8 kN (6,500 lbf) each

Thrust

Unknown (experimental, does not operate under standard ICAO noise categories)

Noise