Zero Fuel Weight (ZFW) represents the maximum permissible weight of an aircraft without any usable fuel or oil. Essentially, it is the total weight of the aircraft when loaded with passengers and cargo but devoid of fuel or oil. This figure is typically specified in the approved Aircraft Flight Manual.
The establishment of the Zero Fuel Weight is crucial due to the flexing of wings during turbulence, which generates bending loads on the wing roots. These bending loads escalate significantly with the increase in fuselage weight.
Any weight exceeding the Maximum Zero Fuel Weight must be in the form of fuel stored in the wings.
To provide a real-world example, let's consider an aircraft with the following specifications:
- Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) of 14,800 lbs
- Empty Weight of 9500 lbs
- Fuel capacity of 4800 lbs
- Zero Fuel Weight (ZFW) of 11,300 lbs
This aircraft can accommodate 5300 lbs of cargo or fuel. However, the ZFW imposes a limit on cargo weight. Despite the capability to carry 5300 lbs, including fuel, the ZFW restricts cargo weight to 1800 lbs (11,300 - 9500 = 1800). Consequently, the aircraft becomes cargo-limited due to the ZFW.
ZFW serves as a published limitation. If no ZFW is specified, the aircraft does not have a ZFW limit.
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