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“Weight” is the key to everything that matters in aircraft construction. It is of paramount importance to performance, comfort and safety. Incidentally, it is also many a designer's excuse for any shortcoming on his machine.
Analysing the weight figures for an aircraft, one can classify them into three groups:—
1. Weights over which the designer has no influence.—Namely, engines and accessories, airscrews, instruments, wheels and brakes, etc. This group represents about 35 per cent. of the empty weight of a normal commercial machine.
2. Weights over which the designer has a limited influence.—Namely, fuel tanks and pipes, cowlings, engine controls, cabin equipment, upholstery and windows, heating, etc., which represents some 20 per cent. of the empty weight.
3. Weights within the designer's influence.—Namely, wings, fuselage structure, tail unit, chassis, flying controls, etc., which represent about 45 per cent. of the empty weight.