Originally Posted by
MarkD
minorite
Comparing a C-17 to a 777 based on MTOW?
I thought it was clear and didn't think I would have to explain that here, but here it is:
If you line up a C-17 next to a B777, it looks much smaller. By looking at them, the C-17 seems to be about the size of an Airbus 310-300 or rather a Boeing 767-300.
However, when you compare their respective take-off weights, its closer to the externally much larger B777-200.
Boeing C-17 Length 174 feet Wingspan 169 feet MTOW 585,000 lbs
Boeing 767-300ER Length 180 feet Wingspan 156 feet MTOW 412,000 lbs
Airbus A-310 Length 153 feet Wingspan 144 feet MTOW 361,000 lbs
Boeing 777-200 Length 209 feet Winspan 199 feet MTOW 545,000 lbs
The true measure of comparing two aircraft in size it not in external dimensions but in Take off weight. A bomber, may look even smaller because its fuselage is made to carry small heavy items but it may have a MTOW superior to another aircraft that LOOKS twice its size but which is not.
CLEAR?