“Malaysia Airlines MH370: Confusion over plane last location
March 12, 2014 at 9:45:14 PM CDT · 89 of 93
xone to snoringbear
I can’t prove a negative, but how many aircraft of WWII weighed 200,000#. None of them did. The B-29 maxed at 155000, but they were flown out of the Marianas, a B-24 72,000. Most of the airstrips were originally rebuilt by the Japs as they took over these areas. After the Allies came back, these bases were returned to duty for USAAF. The US wasn’t staying in one place. A 777 weighs over 300,000 empty. So, the Americans couldn’t even conceive during the war years, of a plane over twice as big as a B-29. I doubt there was an airfield in the US at the time that could have handle something of that weight.”
Well, not really looking for an argument but I do enjoy a good discussion. You’ve done tour homework on the B-29 as far as you went. But, there are some other factors that you may not have considered, such as the B-29 landing gear only has two wheels per side (total of four). The 777 landing gear has six wheels per side (total of twelve). So, the weight distribution on the 777 may very well be spread over a larger foot print than the 777, thereby apply less stress on a given landing strip. Concerning runway length for each; most runways built for the B-29 around 8,000 feet give or take. The 777 needs about 11,000 feet to take off fully loaded. But, I’m guessing a good 777 pilot could lift a 777 off at 8,000 feet if he or she had to.
Concerning your Comment “Americans couldn’t even conceive during the war years, of a plane over twice as big as a B-29. “. I give you the B-36 to contemplate. The B-36 was conceived in the late 30’s when the possibility of England being invaded by the Nazis was very real. So, the U.S. Began designing a ultra long range bomber (B-36) that could fly non-stop from the continental US to Germany and back and deliver a payload of bombs while doing do. But, The Brits won the Battle of Britain and Hitler turned his attention eastward toward Russia (big mistake) and the B-36 went on-line after WWII was over. Anyway, wonder where that 777 is? Now, there’s some chatter that it may be in Pakistan. This would make a great Tom Clancy novel :)
Gross weight still is weight. The B36 combat weight is still 60k less than the 777 empty. Even its max is 410k. The 777 max is 766k. Inconceivable in the 40s even without the jet engines. There were B29 fields where the ac had to be towed because they were so rough. I don't doubt that someone could land a 777 on a field of sufficient length of that era. They just won't be leaving from it with any payload.
I think it is a submarine now. If it was hijacked somewhere with plans to re-use it, it will be with some state actor's assistance.