Maximum Weight to Crash in One Piece.

[TheOldMonk]

While a lot has been spoken on Wing Loading and Heavier planes flying faster - I have a different query.

What is the maximum weight with which a plane can crash and not get damaged a lot but rather bounce off the ground. I beleive we are talking about the maximum momentum that can be a threshold to crash gracefully.

 

[Tench745]

While a lot has been spoken on Wing Loading and Heavier planes flying faster - I have a different query.

What is the maximum weight with which a plane can crash and not get damaged a lot but rather bounce off the ground. I beleive we are talking about the maximum momentum that can be a threshold to crash gracefully.

That is a difficult question to answer because there isn't one answer.
If a given plane is lightened significantly, it can be very fragile and not handle a crash at all.
But, if you beef everything up to handle a crash you're just adding weight the structure will have to be strong enough to take in a crash.

There is probably a good middle ground where most crashes are survivable but where exactly that is depends on the plane, the construction, and the materials chosen for the build.

 

[Merv]

... Heavier planes flying faster...

FYI - Just adding weight to a plane will not increase the top speed of a plane.
Adding weight just means the plane can not fly as slowly as it did before the extra weight.

You are correct in saying lighter planes will have less damage in a crash. I try to attach my battery loosely, tight enough to stay put from any flying force, but loose enough to be ejected in a crash. It's my attempt to minimize the damage from the momentum of the battery.

I can not give you number to answer your question. Any weight reduction will lessen the damage in a crash.

 

[TheOldMonk]

This helps. I guess my 600g (15% overweight) Scratch built Scout shall be able to fly peacefully and crash graciously. .