sorry but i cant stand inaccuracies when it comes to aircraft… NASA’s gutted and modified 747-100’s have an average weight of ~320,000lbs (NASA 905 at 318,053lbs and NASA 911 at 323,034lbs.) with the added weight of the orbiter at ~172,000lbs, it places this aircraft at about 492,000lbs, which is well under its max take off weight of 735,000lbs for the older 100 model. of course, drag from the orbiter does effect the range and flight performance but as far as weight goes. a fully loaded 747 with passengers, seats, baggage and amenities routinely come close to max take off weight. of course we’re talking about older 747 models from the 1970’s, boeings new 747-800i has a max take off weight of 975,000lbs. so you can thank boeing for keeping your continually enlarging asses in the sky.
I like that your blog is just planes now