eder@ssc-vax.UUCP (Dani Eder) (11/08/88)
In article <615@fabscal.UUCP>, dorn@fabscal.UUCP (Alan Dorn Hetzel Jr.) writes: > A shuttle landing full doesn't weigh as much as a 747 landing with a half > load of fuel...! > > Reinforcement is cute, but not beyond what any good jet runway would be. A moment's reflection should lead one to conclude that since the 747 is used to carry the Shuttle Orbiter on ferry missions, the Orbiter can't outweigh the 747. Otherwise the 747 landing gear couldn't support the weight of both. In fact, a Space Shuttle orbiter weighs 174,000 pounds empty and dry, and has a maximum landing weight of {_230,000 lb (reference memo from Adm. Richard Truly to Associate Administrator for Space Station dated 3 Dec 1987 (references on USENET - what a concept :-) )). A 747 weighs about 350,000 lb dry and empty, and has a maximum takeoff weight of 880,000 lb. The maximum landing weight is somewhat less- this is driven by the strength of the landing grear. Runways at large airports are designed for about 1,000,000 lb aircraft weights - i.e. a 747 with some allowance for future growth versions. Dani Eder ZZ -- Dani Eder / Boeing / Space Station Program / uw-beaver!ssc-vax!eder (205)464-4150(w) (205)461-7801(h) 1075 Dockside Drive #905 Huntsville, AL 35824 34 40 N latitude 86 40 W longitude +100m altitude, Earth