throwawayforj0b t1_j5wa5wr wrote
Reply to comment by Markavian in TIL American WW2 airplanes were sent to war unpainted starting in 1943. The polished surface made the planes faster and lighter, giving more range to all planes and more cargo hold for the bombers by PatmygroinB
This is exactly why American Airlines planes are mostly unpainted.
OneSidedDice t1_j5wo43i wrote
That was the idea. From what I understand, the airline discovered that they spent about the same amount of money keeping the planes polished and shiny as they would have spent on painting them and on the additional fuel that would have required.
NetDork t1_j5wu29o wrote
They had to change now that more and more planes have large composite components.
FeistyAgency9994 t1_j5wcnib wrote
So they can drop more bombs?
CheeseSandwich t1_j5wghhv wrote
Well, luggage these days.
Loinnird t1_j5x9ge7 wrote
So they can drop more luggage?
CheeseSandwich t1_j5xbqox wrote
Ah, you've flown recently too?
Loinnird t1_j5xc8jz wrote
Yup, and I kept everything in my carry-on because I don’t trust those fuckers one bit lmao
CheeseSandwich t1_j5xdcwe wrote
Wise move.
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