The GlobalFlyer attempting the first solo, nonstop flight around the world without refueling
By Peter Rojas 
posted November 30th 2004 12:49PM
posted November 30th 2004 12:49PM
It's a little less glam than winning the $10 million X Prize for making the first private flight into space, but Scaled Composites hasn't turned its attention completely away from more atmospheric endeavours and is currently test flying a new plane called the GlobalFlyer that they're hoping will be the first to make a solo, nonstop flight around the world without having to refuel. The plane, as you'd expect, is basically a cramped flying fuel tank. The entire journey should take about 70 hours or so, but they haven't quite figured out what to do about the pilot not being able to sleep that entire time since no one completely trusts the onboard auto-pilot system.
What about the biological wastes?!!
I just hope the guy doesn't smoke. Kablooey! That'd be such a pretty fireball!
For those wondering how this record differs from the one set by Voyager, Voyager had two pilots. This time the pilot has to stay awake for 70 hours. Fun!
RTA for more details.
Modafinil
how fast is this plane flying? i mean it is impressive to travel what 26,000 miles on one tank, but couldn't some military 747 do it w/one airborne refuel in half that time?
I will follow this one with interest. I helped with voyager with a contribution. I may get in on this if it is possible.
What's cool about this is that it probably will be taking off and land from an airport about an hour from where I live. The New York Times mentioned that they might be taking off from an old air base outside of Salina, Kansas. Well it looks like that is going to happen.
The Salina Journal is reporting that tomorrow a press conference will be held to discuss a "historic and international aviation event" out at the terminal of the Salina Municipal Airport. Here is the link to the aritical about the press conference http://www.saljournal.com/content/2-0-/module/displaystory/story_id/3807/format/html/displaystory.html
Back in the 50s the airport was Schilling Air Force Base. The main runway is 12,300 feet long officially. But it really has about 13,000 feet of distance to it. The FAA shortened it this past year to better allow for instrument approaches.
I wonder if the takeoff and landing of the GlobalFlyer will draw as many people to it as SpaceShip One did? Well no matter, if I can, I'll be there. Now to make damn sure that I'm going to be getting a digital camera for Christmas.
thanks brad, i was wondering what the difference was this time.
Provigil. I think it's supposed to be better than caffeine and it doesn't have a "crash" period.
Anyone wanna bet on if it'll make it or not?
Joking of course.
The other difference is that this is jet powered, while the Voyager was piston/propeller powered.
Awake for 70 hours? Easy! Here's what you do:
First 18 hours or so you just go about business as normal. Have 3 or 4 solid meals. Then you have a few shooters and for the next 6 hours you relax with some beer.
For the next 24 hours you can survive easily on some MDMA (2 tablets every 4 hours is perfect), some shooters (8 or 10), 4 hot chips and 1/2 bottle of water. Keep active and listen to loud music.
The last 22 hours are the best. Over this period you can have some more hot chips or other junkfood (about 1/4 serving is more than enough - you won't want any more), 2 bottles of rum or vodka or tequila, and 6 grams of white powder. Sex is also recommended here although if you're 'flying solo' you'll have to use your imagination. Remember to ring everyone in your cellphone contact list.
Remember to phone in sick Monday morning before you go to bed.
SOLUTION: add third fuel tank. fill with coffee.
For more info on the Virgin atlantic global flyer you can visit this site...
http://www.virginatlanticglobalflyer.com/
Hasn't Burt Rutan's team already done this a few years ago?
Wow ! Just connect the stabilizers and you've got a 21st Century version of my old favorite Lockheed P-38 .