Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer
Picture has been licensed under a GFDL license.
Original source: Own work
Author: Alan Radecki Akradecki

The Scaled Composites Model 311 Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer is an aircraft designed by Burt Rutan in which Steve Fossett flew a solo nonstop airplane flight around the world in a time of 67 hours 1 minute from February 28 2005 until March 3 2005. The flight speed of 590.7 km-h (342.2 mph) broke the Absolute World Record for the fastest nonstop unrefueled circumnavigation set by the previous Rutan-designed Voyager aircraft at 9 days 3 minutes and an average speed of 186.11 km-h (115.65 mph).

Launch of the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer from Salina, Kansas has been given a thumbs-up by officials, who have delayed the attempt since January because of bad weather locally and along the route.1
Critical to the success of the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer was Rutan's ability to find ways to reduce weight.2
Richard Branson to fly the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer on a nonstop flight around the world. The trip tested Fossett's endurance, but was relatively event free.3
The Scaled Composites Model 311 Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer is an aircraft designed by Burt Rutan in which Steve Fossett flew the first solo nonstop airplane flight around the world in a time of 4
Steve Fossett, piloting the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer, has set the record of being the first person to fly around the world unrefueled, solo.5
in the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer, but this time around a longer course now that the fuel leak that plagued his first trip has been fixed.6
that the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer will again take to the skies on an “Ultimate Flight.” This year the soul of AirVenture was SpaceShipOne/White Knight.7

Made by Scaled Composites.

The Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer designed and built at Scaled made its maiden flight in March 2004 and a record setting solo world flight in March 2005.8
Control: Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer Breaks First Record on Around-the-World Attempt The National Aeronautics Association has confirmed to the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer Mission Control Team that Steve Fossett and the 9
Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer in Mojave, Calif., following a number of envelope expansion flights by Scaled Composites project engineer and test pilot Jon Karkow.10
Grizzly, Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyerVirgin Atlantic GlobalFlyerThe Scaled Composites Model 311 Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer is an aircraft designed by Burt Rutan 11
In 2004 we unveiled the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer, in which Steve Fossett will attempt the first non-stop solo circumnavigation of the world.12
Model 311 Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer (FAA: N277SF) is an aircraft designed by Burt Rutan in which Steve Fossett flew a solo nonstop airplane flight around the world in a time of 67 13
the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer there again in March 2003, and later piloted by Richard Branson at Brompton in summer 2003.14
Empty Weight Lb
3700
Wing Area Sqm
37
Designer
Burt Rutan
Eng 1 Type
turbofan
Max Speed Mph
296
Ceiling Ft
51000
Range Km
35188
Aspect Ratio
33
Glide Ratio
37
Span In
Gross Weight Lb
22100
Span Ft
114
Number Built
1
Crew
1
Empty Weight Kg
1678
Preservation
National Air and Space Museum
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Gross Weight Kg
10024
Retired
2006-03-17
Height In
3
Primary user
Steve Fossett
Civil Registration
N277SF
Manufacturer
Scaled Composites
Range Miles
25766
First Flight
2005
Eng 1 Name
Williams FJ44-2
Max Speed Kmh
476
Height Ft
13
Eng 1 Lbf
2300
Wing Area Sqft
400
Span M
35
Length Ft
44
Height M
4
Prime Units
imp
Eng 1 Kn
11
Ceiling M
15444
Eng 1 Number
1
Length In
1
Length M
13
Category
Aircraft in the collection of the Smithsonian Institution
Individual aircraft
Scaled Composites
Twin boom aircraft
United States experimental aircraft 2000-2009

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This article provides individuals with tools to overcome or at least manage a fear of flying. Flying can be an enjoyable experience if anxiety is not an issue.