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The GlobalFlyer during a previous flight. It is designed for optimal fuel usage.(Photo: VNN) |
American pilot Steve Fossett plans to undertake the longest flight in history next week, starting from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Having set multiple aviation records, Steve Fossett hopes to fly solo around the world in the Virgin GlobalFlyer and then cross the Atlantic Ocean for the second time. The journey will conclude in Kent, England, approximately 80 hours later.
Breaking All Records
However, to take off with a substantial amount of fuel, the air temperature at the 5km runway must not exceed 11 degrees Celsius. At this temperature, the air is sufficiently dense to provide the necessary lift.
If successful, this flight will break the previous distance record for non-refueled aircraft. The record of 40,212 kilometers was set by Dick Rutan and Jeanna Yeager in 1986 with the Voyager aircraft. Both Voyager and GlobalFlyer were designed by Burt Rutan, Dick Rutan’s brother. Additionally, Burt Rutan also designed SpaceShipOne, the spacecraft that won the X-Prize.
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Steve Fossett (Photo: VNN) |
The longest flight is 41,978 kilometers, achieved by the Breitling Orbiter balloon in 1999.
However, the expected flight distance of the GlobalFlyer is 46,000 kilometers, surpassing all previous records mentioned. Moreover, the flight showcases advancements in aircraft manufacturing technology over the past two decades. Notably, in 2005, GlobalFlyer completed a round-the-world flight, piloted by Fossett.
Over 80% of the Weight is Fuel
According to Richard Branson, chairman of Virgin Atlantic Airlines, this flight demonstrates the application of new technologies, such as lightweight composites and fuel-saving systems, which could revolutionize the aviation industry in the future.
The aircraft’s takeoff weight will be 9,997 kilograms, with 83% of that being fuel weight. The dry weight of the GlobalFlyer is only 1,500 kilograms, not heavier than a car. Its wingspan is 35 meters, nearly equivalent to that of a Boeing 737.
The use of Kennedy Space Center as a launch base indicates that NASA is beginning to allow some private customers to utilize this runway.
Minh Sơn (According to NewScientist)
