| • Science | • People | • Locations | • Timeline |
| Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer | ||
|---|---|---|
| Description | ||
| Role | Non-stop circumnavigator | |
| Crew | 1 | |
| First Flight | 2004 | |
| Manufacturer | Scaled Composites | |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 38 ft 4 in | 11.7 m |
| Wingspan | 114 ft 10 in | 35 m |
| Height | 11 ft 10 in | 3.6 m |
| Wing Area | 400 ft² | 37 m² |
| Weights | ||
| Empty | 3,530 lb | 1,600 kg |
| Loaded | 22,000 lb | 10,000 kg |
| Maximum takeoff | lb | kg |
| Powerplant | ||
| Engines | 1 Williams International FJ44-3 ATW turbofan | |
| Thrust | 2,300 lb | 10.2 kN |
| Performance | ||
| Maximum speed | 275 mph | 440 km/h |
| Range (still air) | 21,000 miles | 33,800 km |
| Service ceiling | 45,000 ft | 14,000 m |
| Rate of climb | ft/min | m/min |
| Wing loading | 55 lb/ft² | 270 kg/m² |
| Thrust/Weight | 0.10 | |
| Avionics | ||
| Avionics | ||
The Scaled Composites Model 311 Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer is an aircraft designed by Burt Rutan that Steve Fossett hopes to fly in a non-stop solo trip around the world. If successful, the feat would match the distance set by the previous Burtan-designed Voyager aircraft and would likely finish in less than half the time, around 65 hours. The Voyager aircraft suffered from design flaws that made it warp in shape very easily, and the GlobalFlyer is designed to have greater stiffness. It is also designed to fly much faster than the Voyager mainly due to the fact that it has a turbofan powerplant.
The aircraft is being financed by Richard Branson's airline, Virgin Atlantic, and is built by Burt Rutan's company, Scaled Composites.
GlobalFlyer is constructed of carbon fiber and epoxy materials, the main structural member being a slender single piece 37m wing. The pressurised cockpit is mounted in the centre with the power plant above it. Outboard on the wings are mounted two long booms containing the fuel, and ending in tail units which are not cross-connected.
The use of light-weight materials permits the fuel to comprise 82% of the take-off weight. Tail parachutes will be used to increase drag in the descent phase.
The aircraft should be ready to make the attempt from November onwards, at which point the team will plan an appropriate window within which to make the attempt. This could be anywhere between November and January 2005.
The official website can be found at www.globalflyer.com