Comment by gerdesj

OK so let's look at a second. I think I can get away with this analysis:

On take off f = 330 x 10 = 3300 (units etc)

On landing f = 160 x 10.7 = 1712

So, if you are gentle enough on landing and the aircraft is nearly half the weight it was on take off then the downward force on landing is very much less than that on take off.

That 160 tonnes empty also implies I've thrown the passengers, crew and luggage out too, which is a bit rough. Let's try total fuel at "about 180 to 213 tonnes" and allow that we need a factor of safety, so let's say 40 tonnes of fuel left over on landing.

On landing f = 200 x 10.7 = 2140

So, I'm still going to need some convincing about landing aircraft causing more damage than those taking off.

I was only waffling about rotation angles whilst trying to get to grips with what is going on. I now don't think the engines have anything to do with this analysis. Mind you I am just about old enough to remember watching Lightnings (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_Electric_Lightning) taking off. Imagine a large silver firework ...