If an airplane were to be filled with helium, several significant consequences would occur:
Reduced weight: Helium is less dense than air, so filling the airplane with helium would decrease its overall weight. This reduction in weight would have several effects, including increased buoyancy and decreased gravitational force acting on the aircraft.
Increased buoyancy: The helium-filled airplane would experience greater buoyancy due to the buoyant force provided by the surrounding air. This buoyant force opposes the force of gravity, making the airplane feel lighter and potentially allowing it to ascend more easily.
Altered stability and control: Filling an airplane with helium would shift its center of gravity, which could adversely affect its stability and control. The original design and flight characteristics of the aircraft are based on a specific weight distribution, and changing it by filling the aircraft with helium could lead to unpredictable and potentially dangerous flight behavior.
Loss of lift: While helium provides buoyancy, it does not generate lift in the same way as the wings of an airplane. Lift is created by the shape of the wings and the airflow over them. Filling the airplane with helium would not generate the necessary lift, making it extremely challenging, if not impossible, for the aircraft to maintain steady flight or maneuver effectively.
Safety risks: Helium is highly flammable and poses a safety hazard when mixed with air. If there were any ignition sources or malfunctions within the helium-filled airplane, the flammable gas could lead to a significant fire or explosion risk.
Overall, filling an airplane with helium would likely result in severe flight instability, loss of control, and safety hazards. It is essential to adhere to the intended design, weight distribution, and operating principles of an aircraft for safe and reliable flight.