How Much Does An Airplane Weigh?
How much does an airplane weigh? In this article, we’ll look at how the maximum takeoff weight is determined, along with some examples of the most recognizable aircraft. From some of the heaviest planes in the world like the Antonv An and Airbus A380 to small planes like sail planes and fighter jets.
Below are 33 examples of different weights. Ranging from over a million-pound commercial airliner to small Cessna and other trainer aircraft.
Empty Weight Vs Maximum Weight
The weight of an aircraft can be broken down into several categories:
- Empty weight: This is the aircraft’s weight when it is without any passengers, cargo, or fuel. Airplanes are weighed by placing them on a special platform called a weighing scale or weighing platform. This is done at maintenance intervals, and the empty weight is recorded for daily use.
- Center of Gravity: The center of gravity on a plane is the point where the weight of the plane is evenly distributed and balanced. It is the point where the plane would balance if it were resting on a pivot point. The location of the center of gravity on a plane is important for determining the stability and handling of the aircraft as too much weight in one spot can create a nose-heavy or tail heavy plane.
- Payload: This is the weight of the flight crew, passengers, cargo, and baggage that the aircraft is carrying. The difference between the empty plane weight and the maximum weight of the plane is also called the useful load. In airline operations, standard weights are used for passengers and bags.
- Fuel Weight: How much fuel there is in the fuel tanks also needs to be considered.
- Maximum take-off weight: This is the maximum weight at which the aircraft is allowed to take off, and it includes the empty weight, payload, and fuel. These are structural limitations allowed by Federal Aviation Administration certification.
- The maximum landing weight of an aircraft is the maximum weight at which the aircraft is allowed to touch down on the runway. This weight is determined by the aircraft manufacturer and is specific to each type of aircraft. As a general rule (especially on larger planes) it is lower than the maximum takeoff weight, as the aircraft’s landing gear and tires are subjected to higher stresses during the landing and rollout phases of a flight. At heavier weights, more landing distance is also required due to the extra weight and higher speed.
Why The Weight Of An Airplane Matters
The weight of an aircraft is crucial in its design and performance. Lift is created by the use of a wing’s shape and orientation, as well as the motion of the wing through the air. The higher the weight of a plane, the more lift is required.
Lighter planes are generally more fuel-efficient and have better performance, but they may not be able to carry as much payload.
On the other hand, heavier airplanes may be able to carry more payload, but they may have poorer performance and be less fuel-efficient. Heavy loads can also increase the takeoff distance and lower the maximum altitude the plane can fly.
There are many different factors that can affect an aircraft’s weight, including the materials used in its construction, the size of its engines, and the type of payload it is designed to carry. The airplane’s weight is also affected by the laws of physics, such as the forces of lift and drag, which play a role in how the aircraft flies.
How Much Does An Airplane Weigh? Examples From High To Low
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1. Heaviest Plane In The World: An-225
Note: The following info about the Antonov An-225 doesn’t reflect the most recent news that the Antonov was destroyed in the Ukrainian conflict, however, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy announced plans in May of 2022 to complete a second An-225 to replace the destroyed aircraft.
The heaviest airplane in the world is the Antonov An-225 Mriya. It was designed and built by the Antonov Design Bureau in the Soviet Union in the 1980s. The plane was originally designed to airlift the Soviet space shuttle, the Buran, and it has a maximum takeoff weight of 640 tons or 1,400,000 lbs!
The Antonov An-225 Mriya is a massive airplane, with a wingspan of 88.4 meters (290 feet) and a length of 84 meters (275 feet). It is powered by six jet engines and has a range of about 15,000 kilometers (9,320 miles).
Despite its massive weight and capabilities, the Antonov An-225 Mriya has only been built in a single example, and it has been used primarily for transporting oversized cargo. It has set several records for the heaviest and largest single items ever airlifted, including a generator that weighed over 200 tons.
2. Airbus A380
The Airbus A380 is a large, long-range commercial aircraft introduced in 2007. It is one of the heaviest planes in the world, with a maximum takeoff weight of up to 1,268,000 lbs or 575 tons.
The empty weight of an Airbus A 380 is approximately 277 tons, while the maximum payload capacity is around 50 tons. The weight of the fuel that the aircraft can carry depends on the range of the flight and the fuel efficiency of the engines, but it can be up to 248 tons.
It’s worth noting that the weight of an Airbus A380 can vary depending on the specific model and configuration. Some versions of the A380 may have a lower maximum takeoff weight, while others may be able to carry more payload or fuel.
The A380 flies to the United States from other countries, although there aren’t any operated by an American airline.
Overall, the Airbus A380 is a massive aircraft capable of carrying large amounts of passengers, cargo, and fuel over long distances. Its weight is a critical factor in its design and performance, and it is one of the heaviest planes in the world.
3. Boeing 747-800
Another giant is the Boeing 747-8 passenger airliner. This giant is also a popular cargo operation plane. A small step down in weight from the Airbus 380, the newest and largest variant of the Boeing 747s. The weight of a Boeing 747-800 depends on several factors, including the specific configuration of the aircraft and the amount of fuel it is carrying.
The weight of an empty Boeing 747-800 is approximately 481,000 pounds (217,800 kilograms). The maximum takeoff weight is around 975,000 pounds (442,000 kilograms).
4. Boeing 777
The Boeing 777 is a popular large long-haul airplane, operated by several major airlines in the United States. The weight of a Boeing 777 can vary depending on several factors, including the specific variant and if it has a full fuel load.
According to information from Boeing, the empty weight of a 777-200ER (Extended Range) model is approximately 365,000 pounds, while the maximum takeoff weight is around 675,000 pounds.
The 777-300 and 777-300ER models have slightly higher maximum takeoff weights, at about 705,000 and 775,000 pounds, respectively. The newest variant of the 777, the 777X, has a maximum takeoff weight of around 975,000 pounds, allowing it to carry a lot of fuel.
5. C-5
How Much Does An Airplane Weigh? The C-5 Galaxy is a military transport aircraft that was produced by Lockheed Martin. It is one of the largest military aircraft in the world, and it has a maximum takeoff weight of about 840,000 pounds (381,000 kilograms).
The empty weight of the C-5 is about 354,000 pounds (160,500 kilograms). The weight of the aircraft can vary depending on the specific model and the configuration of the aircraft.
6. Airbus A350
The Airbus A350 is a long-range, wide-body commercial airplane manufactured by Airbus. The weight of an Airbus A350 can vary depending on the specific variant and the amount of fuel carries. Some long distance A350 flights can be over 17 hours of flying time.
According to Airbus, the empty weight of an A350-900, the base model of the A350 family, is approximately 251,000 kilograms, or 553,000 pounds.
The maximum takeoff weight of the A350-900 is around 280,000 kilograms or 617,000 pounds. The A350-1000, the largest variant of the A350 family, has a slightly higher maximum takeoff weight, at about 351,000 kilograms, or 773,000 pounds.
7. Boeing 787
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a popular widebody jet airliner for long-distance commercial flights.
According to Boeing, the empty weight of a 787-8 Dreamliner is approximately 192,000 pounds, while the maximum takeoff weight is around 502,500 pounds.
The 787-9 Dreamliner has a slightly higher empty weight, at about 214,200 pounds, and a higher maximum takeoff weight, at about 552,000 pounds. The 787-10 Dreamliner has an empty weight of around 223,000 pounds and a maximum takeoff weight of approximately 567,000 pounds.
8. Airbus A330
How Much Does An Airplane Weigh? The maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of an Airbus A330 depends on the specific variant and configuration of the aircraft. Here are the MTOWs for some of the more common A330 different models:
- Airbus A330-200: 247,000 kg (544,000 lbs)
- Airbus A330-300: 247,000 kg (544,000 lbs)
- Airbus A330-800: 253,000 kg (557,000 lbs)
- Airbus A330-900: 253,000 kg (557,000 lbs)
Keep in mind that the actual weight of an aircraft can vary significantly depending on factors such as the amount of fuel it is carrying, the number of passengers and their luggage, and the payload (e.g., cargo). The MTOW is the maximum weight at which the aircraft is certified to operate and is typically used to ensure that the aircraft remains within its structural and performance limits.
9. Spruce Goose
How Much Does An Airplane Weigh? The Spruce Goose, also known as the Hughes H-4 Hercules, was an experimental aircraft built by Howard Hughes and his company, Hughes Aircraft.
This large aircraft was designed to be a massive transport aircraft that could carry 750 troops or two M4 Sherman tanks. It was made mostly of wood, hence its nickname. The Spruce Goose was built in 1947 and had a wingspan of 320 feet, which made it the largest aircraft in the world at the time. It was powered by eight Pratt & Whitney R-4360 Wasp Major radial engines and had a gross weight of 400,000 pounds, or approximately 200 tons.
10. Boeing 757
The Boeing 757 has a maximum takeoff weight of 255,000 pounds (115,670 kg). This is the maximum weight at which the airplane is allowed to takeoff and fly. The empty weight of the aircraft, which is the weight of the airplane when it is not carrying any passengers, cargo, or fuel, is approximately 162,000 pounds (73,500 kg).
11. Airbus A321
The weight of an Airbus A321 varies depending on its configuration and the amount of fuel it is carrying. However, the maximum takeoff weight of an Airbus A321 is around 93.5 metric tons (206,000 pounds). The empty weight of an Airbus A321 is around 64 metric tons (141,000 pounds).
12. Concorde
The Concorde airplane had a weight of about 183,500 pounds (83,000 kilograms). It was a supersonic passenger jet that was used for transatlantic flights from 1976 to 2003. It was known for its sleek design and high speed, but also for its high operating costs and the noise of its engines.
13. Airbus A320
Slightly shorter than the A321, but otherwise identical, the empty weight of an Airbus A320 is approximately 75,000 pounds (34,019 kilograms). The maximum takeoff weight is around 170,000 pounds (77,111 kilograms).
14. C-130
The C-130 Hercules is a military transport aircraft that is used by many countries around the world. The weight of the C-130 varies depending on the specific model and configuration of the aircraft.
- The C-130H model has a maximum takeoff weight of about 155,000 pounds (70,300 kilograms). The empty weight of the C-130H is about 78,000 pounds (35,400 kilograms).
- The C-130J model has a maximum takeoff weight of about 164,000 pounds (74,400 kilograms). The empty weight of the C-130J is about 85,000 pounds (38,500 kilograms).
- The C-130X model (also known as the C-130XJ) has a maximum takeoff weight of about 170,000 pounds (77,000 kilograms). The empty weight of the C-130X is about 90,000 pounds (40,800 kilograms).
It’s worth noting that these weights can vary slightly depending on the specific aircraft and the equipment it is carrying.
15. SR-71 Blackbird
The SR-71 Blackbird is a retired long-range, high-altitude, Mach 3+ strategic reconnaissance aircraft developed by the United States Air Force in the 1960s. It is a highly advanced aircraft with a number of unique design features that made it one of the fastest and most capable planes ever built.
The weight of the SR-71 Blackbird varies depending on the specific model and configuration, but the basic design has an empty weight of approximately 67,500 pounds (30,620 kilograms). The maximum takeoff weight of the SR-71 is around 170,000 pounds (77,110 kilograms), which includes the weight of the fuel, payload, and other equipment.
The SR-71 was made largely of titanium and other lightweight materials, which helped to keep its weight down despite its large size and advanced technology. It was powered by two powerful engines that allowed it to reach speeds of up to 3,200 miles per hour (5,150 kilometers per hour) at high altitudes.
Overall, the SR-71 Blackbird was a remarkable aircraft that pushed what was possible in aviation. Its weight was an important factor in its design and performance, and it helped to make it one of the most iconic and legendary planes in history.
16. Boeing 737
How much does an airplane weigh? The Boeing 737 is a popular major airline workhorse for passenger flights. The weight of a Boeing 737 can vary depending on the specific variant and the amount of fuel and equipment it is carrying. According to Boeing, the basic empty weight of a 737-800, a common aircraft variant, is approximately 105,500 pounds.
The maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) for the 737-800 is around 173,200 pounds. The MTOW for other variants of the 737 can vary, with some models having higher or lower MTOWs depending on their size and capabilities.
For example, the 737 MAX 8 has an MTOW of around 187,700 pounds, while the 737-700 has an MTOW of approximately 149,700 pounds.
17. Gulfstream G550
How much do private jets weigh? The Gulfstream G550 is a large, long-range business jet that Gulfstream Aerospace produced. The weight of a Gulfstream G550 can vary depending on the different types of payload and the amount of fuel.
According to information from Gulfstream, the empty weight of a Gulfstream G550 is approximately 77,700 pounds, while the maximum takeoff weight is around 99,600 pounds. The Gulfstream G500 has a slightly lower maximum takeoff weight, at approximately 95,700 pounds.
18. Canadair Regional Jet
The CRJ (Canadair Regional Jet) is a family of regional jets developed by Bombardier Aerospace. The weight of a CRJ jet can vary depending on the specific model and the fuel and equipment it carries.
According to information from Bombardier, the CRJ700 has an empty weight of around 36,500 pounds and a maximum takeoff weight of about 74,000 pounds. The CRJ900 has an empty weight of approximately 39,700 pounds and a maximum takeoff weight of about 75,000 pounds. The CRJ1000 has an empty weight of around 41,600 pounds and a maximum takeoff weight of about 88,000 pounds.
19. F-14 Tomcat
The F-14 Tomcat was a supersonic, twin-engine, two-seat fighter aircraft that was used by the United States Navy. The empty weight of an F-14 is approximately 33,000 pounds (14,969 kilograms). The maximum takeoff weight is about 74,350 pounds (33,715 kilograms). This weight can vary depending on the specific variant of the F-14 and the specific mission it is being used for.
20. F/A-18
How much does an airplane weigh? The F/A-18 Hornet is a multi-role fighter aircraft originally developed for the United States Navy and Marine Corps. The weight of a F/A-18 can vary depending on the specific variant and the amount of fuel and equipment it carries.
According to information from the U.S. Navy, the empty weight of a F/A-18A Hornet is approximately 24,500 pounds, while the maximum takeoff weight is around 51,900 pounds. The F/A-18C and F/A-18E variants of the aircraft have slightly higher maximum takeoff weights, at about 52,600 and 61,000 pounds, respectively.
21. North American B-25 Mitchell
The B-25 is a medium bomber aircraft that was used by the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. The empty weight of a B-25 is approximately 34,000 pounds (15,422 kg) and the maximum takeoff weight is about 51,800 pounds (23,500 kg).
22. Learjet 45
A Learjet 45 is a type of small to medium-sized business jet. The weight of a Learjet can vary depending on the specific model and its configuration, but the empty weight of a Learjet 45, for example, is approximately 17,100 pounds (7,753 kg). The maximum takeoff weight for a Learjet 45 is about 24,500 pounds (11,113 kg).
23. Beechcraft Premier Jet
How much does an airplane weigh? The Beechcraft Premier I is a light business jet produced by Beechcraft, a division of Textron Aviation. The weight of a Beechcraft Premier I can vary depending on the specific model and the fuel and equipment it carries.
According to information from Textron Aviation, the empty weight of a Beechcraft Premier I is approximately 7,850 pounds, while the maximum takeoff weight is around 13,500 pounds. The Premier I is a small and lightweight aircraft designed for efficiency and speed. It is powered by two Williams International FJ44-2A turbofan engines, capable of producing up to 2,400 pounds of thrust each.
24. King Air 200
How Much Does An Airplane Weigh? The maximum weight of a King Air 200 is 12,500 pounds.
25. Beechcraft Baron
The maximum weight of a Beechcraft Baron depends on the specific model and configuration of the aircraft. Some models of the Baron have a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of around 6,500 pounds, while others have an MTOW of around 6,800 pounds.
The maximum weight of the aircraft is determined by a number of factors, including the strength of the structure, the power of the engines, and the capabilities of the landing gear. It is important for pilots to ensure that the weight of the aircraft does not exceed the MTOW at any time, as doing so can compromise the safety and performance of the aircraft.
26. Spirit Of St Louis
The Spirit of St. Louis is a single-engine, single-seat aircraft that was designed and built specifically for Charles Lindbergh’s solo transatlantic flight. The aircraft had a wingspan of 46.9 feet and was 27.6 feet long. It weighed approximately 5,000 pounds when it was fully loaded for its transatlantic flight.
27. Cirrus SR-22
The Cirrus SR22 is a single-engine, four-seat aircraft that is popular for personal and business aviation. The weight of a Cirrus SR22 can vary depending on the specific model and the amount of fuel and equipment it is carrying. According to information from Cirrus Aircraft, the empty weight of a Cirrus SR22 is approximately 2,550 pounds. The maximum takeoff weight for the SR22 is 3,600 pounds. This means that the maximum weight of the aircraft, including the weight of the fuel, passengers, and baggage, is 3,600 pounds.
28. Piper Warrior
How much does an airplane weigh? The maximum weight of a Piper Warrior is 2,450 pounds. This small plane is a popular training aircraft for students learning to fly.
29. Cessna 152
The Cessna 152 is a small, single-engine airplane commonly used for training and general aviation. The weight of a Cessna 152 can vary depending on the specific model and the amount of fuel and equipment it is carrying. According to information from Cessna, the empty weight of a Cessna 152 is approximately 1,100 pounds, while the maximum takeoff weight is around 1,670 pounds. This weight includes the weight of the aircraft itself and the weight of any passengers, cargo, and fuel it carries.
30. Piper Cub
How much does an airplane weigh? The weight of a Piper J-3 Cub, a small, single-engine aircraft, can vary depending on the specific model and the amount of fuel and equipment it carries. According to information from Piper, the empty weight of a J-3 Cub is approximately 600 pounds, while the maximum takeoff weight is around 1,200 pounds. It is important to note that these weights may vary slightly depending on the specific model and configuration of the aircraft.
31. Wright Flyer
The Wright Flyer was flown by the Wright Brothers as the first powered flight. It weighed about 605 pounds (274 kg). It had a wingspan of 40 feet 4 inches (12.3 meters) and was about 21 feet (6.4 meters) long. The Flyer was powered by a four-cylinder gasoline engine that produced about 12 horsepower. It had a top speed of about 30 mph (48 km/h).
32. Sailplane
Sailplanes, also known as gliders, are aircraft designed to fly without an engine. The weight of a sailplane can vary widely, depending on the specific design and size of the aircraft. Some small, single-seat sailplanes can weigh as little as a few hundred pounds, while larger, two-seat sailplanes can weigh more than 1,000 pounds. In general, sailplanes are designed to be as lightweight as possible to maximize their performance and allow them to stay aloft for extended periods.
33. Bonus: Space Shuttle
Coming in much heavier than even the Antonov An-225! The Space Shuttle was a reusable spacecraft used by NASA for missions into low Earth orbit from 1981 to 2011. The weight of a Space Shuttle varied depending on several factors, including the specific orbiter and the amount of fuel, equipment, and payload it was carrying.
According to NASA, the empty weight of a Space Shuttle orbiter was approximately 151,000 pounds. The orbiter was designed to carry a maximum payload weight of roughly 50,000 pounds to low Earth orbit, and it had a maximum takeoff weight (including fuel) of around 4.5 million pounds. The Space Shuttle also included two solid rocket boosters and an external fuel tank, which added 3.2 million pounds to the total weight at launch.
In conclusion, the weight of an aircraft is a complex and important factor that must be carefully considered in its design and operation. It is affected by a variety of factors, including the materials used in its construction, the size of its engines, and the type of payload it is designed to carry.
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