Posted by Sherman in Idaho [72.47.153.163] on Tuesday, September 15, 2015 at 18:36:09 :
In Reply to: Re: Why did it take so long posted by Neil Block [142.165.85.254] on Tuesday, September 15, 2015 at 17:54:13 :
There's a reason they keep the payload so light (~150,000 lbs by my figuring, which is nothing for a 747). These planes weren't designed for crop dusting, which is essentially what they're doing. They're flying at tree-top level, just above stall speed, in places that almost by definition have turbulent winds. Or, looking at it another way, when they're forced to fly high for safety reasons, more of that payload is going to miss the target area, so it's a good thing they have plenty.