How Heavy Are Airplanes in Tons?
When you think about airplanes, their size and weight are often the first things that come to mind. But have you ever wondered just how heavy these marvels of engineering are? In this article, we’ll delve into the fascinating world of airplane weights, exploring various types of aircraft and their respective weights in tons. So, let’s take a journey through the skies and uncover the incredible weight of airplanes.
Commercial Airplanes
Commercial airplanes are the most common type of aircraft you’ll see in the sky. These planes are designed to carry passengers and cargo over long distances. The weight of commercial airplanes can vary significantly depending on the model and the number of passengers on board.
| Model | Empty Weight (tons) | Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) (tons) |
|---|---|---|
| Boeing 737-800 | 36.7 | 77.1 |
| Boeing 747-400 | 181.5 | 440.5 |
| Airbus A320neo | 39.5 | 82.5 |
| Airbus A350-900 | 139.5 | 242.5 |
As you can see from the table above, the empty weight of a Boeing 737-800 is approximately 36.7 tons, while its maximum takeoff weight is around 77.1 tons. On the other hand, the Airbus A350-900 has an empty weight of 139.5 tons and a maximum takeoff weight of 242.5 tons. This significant difference in weight is due to the larger size and capacity of the Airbus A350-900 compared to the Boeing 737-800.
Private Airplanes
Private airplanes, also known as general aviation aircraft, are smaller and more versatile than commercial airplanes. They are used for personal, business, or recreational purposes. The weight of private airplanes can vary widely depending on the type of aircraft and its intended use.
For example, a Cessna 172, a popular single-engine aircraft, has an empty weight of approximately 1,200 pounds (0.54 tons). When fully loaded with fuel and passengers, its weight can reach around 2,200 pounds (1.0 tons). On the other hand, a larger, twin-engine aircraft like a Piper Malibu Mirage can have an empty weight of around 3,500 pounds (1.6 tons) and a maximum takeoff weight of up to 5,500 pounds (2.5 tons).
Military Airplanes
Military airplanes are designed for specific military operations, such as air superiority, reconnaissance, and combat. These aircraft are often larger and heavier than civilian or private airplanes. Their weights can vary significantly depending on the type and purpose of the aircraft.
The F-15 Eagle, a twin-engine, all-weather tactical fighter, has an empty weight of approximately 39,000 pounds (17.7 tons). When fully loaded with fuel and weapons, its maximum takeoff weight can reach up to 68,000 pounds (30.9 tons). On the other hand, the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber has an empty weight of around 160,000 pounds (72.2 tons) and a maximum takeoff weight of 376,000 pounds (170.9 tons).
Helicopters
Helicopters are unique aircraft that can take off and land vertically. They are used for various purposes, including transportation, search and rescue, and military operations. The weight of helicopters can vary significantly depending on the model and its intended use.
The UH-60 Black Hawk, a versatile utility helicopter used by the United States Army, has an empty weight of approximately 14,000 pounds (6.3 tons). When fully loaded with fuel and crew, its maximum takeoff weight can reach up to 21,000 pounds (9.5 tons). On the other hand, the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter has an empty weight of around 15,000 pounds (6.8 tons) and a maximum takeoff weight of
About The Author
