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. These numbers highlight the significant difference in weight between smaller and larger commercial airplanes.
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 specific model and its intended use.
For example, a Cessna 172, a popular single-engine aircraft, has an empty weight of approximately 1,140 pounds (517 kilograms) or about 0.57 tons. Its maximum takeoff weight is around 2,300 pounds (1,043 kilograms) or about 1.15 tons. In contrast, a larger private airplane like the Gulfstream G650 has an empty weight of about 38,000 pounds (17,242 kilograms) or about 17.5 tons, with a maximum takeoff weight of 88,000 pounds (39,818 kilograms) or about 40.5 tons.
Military Airplanes
Military airplanes are designed for specific military purposes, such as air superiority, reconnaissance, and transportation. These aircraft can be significantly heavier than both commercial and private airplanes.
The F-15 Eagle, a well-known fighter jet, has an empty weight of approximately 31,800 pounds (14,335 kilograms) or about 14.8 tons. Its maximum takeoff weight is around 68,000 pounds (30,844 kilograms) or about 31.2 tons. In comparison, the C-130 Hercules, a versatile military transport aircraft, has an empty weight of about 64,000 pounds (29,029 kilograms) or about 29.2 tons, with a maximum takeoff weight of 172,000 pounds (78,267 kilograms) or about 78.3 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 popular military helicopter, has an empty weight of approximately 15,000 pounds (6,804 kilograms) or about 6.8 tons. Its maximum takeoff weight is around 25,000 pounds (11,340 kilograms) or about 11.3 tons. In contrast, the Airbus H130, a civilian helicopter, has an empty weight of about 3,
