When empty, a particular helicopter of mass 3770 kg can accelerate straight upward at a maximum acceleration of 1.32 m/s2. A careless crewman overloads the helicopter so that it is just unable to lift off. What is the mass of the cargo?

Answer 1

Available upward thrust = M*(g+a) = 41960 N.

Helicopter weight = M*g = 36,984 N

Added weight that prevents liftoff =
4976 N

Added mass that prevents liftoff = 4976/g = 507 kg