: the load carried by a vehicle exclusive of what is necessary for its operation
especially: the load carried by an aircraft or spacecraft consisting of things (such as passengers or instruments) necessary to the purpose of the flight
The truck is carrying a payload of 2,580 pounds. the space shuttle can carry a maximum payload of approximately 50,000 pounds
Recent Examples on the WebGraeber supplied the framework for further investigation, but anyone trying to use it will have to duplicate his search for a permissive driver and an abusable payload. Neil J. Rubenking, PCMAG, 12 Aug. 2022 The South Korean startup is developing a hybrid rocket powered by both solid and liquid fuel and will test the vehicle in a suborbital flight that will carry an inertial navigation system payload for the Brazilian Air Force. Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 24 June 2022 But with a superrocket’s large payload fairing, such a mirror could be monolithic, without any need to unfold and deploy in space, likely resulting in major cost savings and a speedier path to the launchpad. Jonathan O'callaghan, Scientific American, 12 Apr. 2022 Two, the shell must incorporate a guidance package, steering fins, and the ramjet, reducing the shell’s explosive payload. Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 12 Aug. 2022 The military mission's payload was classified but has been designated Kosmos 2558 for tracking purposes. Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 5 Aug. 2022 The 2023 Colorado’s 7,700-pound maximum towing capacity and 1,164-pound payload are both higher than the current model. Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 28 July 2022 Unlike other models of the Hellfire, the R9X doesn’t carry an explosive payload.Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2022 The Tremor will feature five drive modes depending on the type of terrain or if the driver is towing, with the Tremor rated to pull 2000 pounds and haul a 1200-pound payload, down 300 pounds from the base Maverick. Caleb Miller, Car and Driver, 1 Aug. 2022 See More