When weight is saved in one area of an aircraft, it can allow for reductions in other components due to the overall weight balance and structural requirements. In this case, the components that could be made lighter as a result of saving 500 kilograms on the seats and carpet would likely be:
-
The landing gear: The landing gear must support the aircraft during takeoff, landing, and ground operations. Reducing the overall weight of the aircraft can enable a lighter and potentially less robust landing gear design, as it won't need to support as much weight during these operations.
-
The wings: Although the wings are integral to the structural integrity of the aircraft, saving overall weight can allow for lighter wing structures. Since the wings carry less weight, some of the materials used (like spars and skins) could be reduced or optimized without compromising safety.
The vertical tail, horizontal tail, and aircraft winglets are also critical structural components, but they are typically more dependent on aerodynamic and stability requirements than on overall aircraft weight. Therefore, the landing gear and wings are likely to be the most affected by a weight reduction in non-structural components like seats and carpets.
1 answer