Looking at available batteries, a 16 oz NiCad or NiMh ain't much of a battery!
At Hobby Lobby, the largest NiCad I saw is 8 cells, 1700 mah, 14.1 oz.
I had some 8x3200 NiMhs a while back but tossed them due to old age.. (15 years old).
Didn't see them even offered today.
The only NiCads I use now are receiver battery packs.
LiPos for the motors.
Airplane wise, I'd try something in the Seniorita size.
Mine with a Power 25 draws 24 amps (3cell 2200 LiPo) on an 11x7, and is handlaunchable, with a boxy fuselage.