Menu
23/10/2003
Branson plans new aviation record attempt
Serial record breakers Steve Fossett and Sir Richard Branson have unveiled plans today to attempt one of the remaining great challenges of aviation - a solo, non-stop flight around the world without refuelling.
For the record attempt, which is scheduled to take place next year, the pair plan to complete the 23,000 mile-record round trip in around 80 hours
The super fuel efficient jet, which has been designed to burn less fuel per mile than a Mini Cooper, will be piloted by Steve Fossett, Richard Branson’s partner in his last global ballooning record attempt. The Virgin Atlantic chief will ride shotgun as reserve pilot.
Sir Richard said: "Flying an aircraft solo around the world without stopping or refuelling in mid-flight is the last great aviation record left inside the Earth's atmosphere."
Their aircraft, GlobalFlyer, is a single pilot, single engine turbofan aircraft designed for non-stop global circumnavigation. The aircraft will fly up to 52,000ft and travel between 19,000 and 25,000 miles at speeds in excess of 250 knots (285mph, 440kph).
The pair will have to follow a strict set of rules laid down by the governing body of aviation record attempts, the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI).
The FAI's rules state that the record attempt must start and finish at the same airfield and cross all meridians of the globe – and the course must not be less than the very precise figure of 36,787.559 kilometres (around 23,000 miles), which is equal in length to the Tropic of Cancer.
The route will begin from an airfield in mid-Western US and will then follow the jet stream winds across the Atlantic to the UK. From there the GlobalFlyer will head south-east across the Mediterranean and the Gulf before turning east towards Pakistan, India, China and Japan. The final leg of the journey will take the plane out over the Pacific towards Hawaii before crossing the west coast of the US and returning to its launch site. The flight should be completed inside 80 hours.
In July 1933, America's Wiley Post was the first to circumnavigate the globe by air, making it in just under eight days.
(gmcg)
For the record attempt, which is scheduled to take place next year, the pair plan to complete the 23,000 mile-record round trip in around 80 hours
The super fuel efficient jet, which has been designed to burn less fuel per mile than a Mini Cooper, will be piloted by Steve Fossett, Richard Branson’s partner in his last global ballooning record attempt. The Virgin Atlantic chief will ride shotgun as reserve pilot.
Sir Richard said: "Flying an aircraft solo around the world without stopping or refuelling in mid-flight is the last great aviation record left inside the Earth's atmosphere."
Their aircraft, GlobalFlyer, is a single pilot, single engine turbofan aircraft designed for non-stop global circumnavigation. The aircraft will fly up to 52,000ft and travel between 19,000 and 25,000 miles at speeds in excess of 250 knots (285mph, 440kph).
The pair will have to follow a strict set of rules laid down by the governing body of aviation record attempts, the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI).
The FAI's rules state that the record attempt must start and finish at the same airfield and cross all meridians of the globe – and the course must not be less than the very precise figure of 36,787.559 kilometres (around 23,000 miles), which is equal in length to the Tropic of Cancer.
The route will begin from an airfield in mid-Western US and will then follow the jet stream winds across the Atlantic to the UK. From there the GlobalFlyer will head south-east across the Mediterranean and the Gulf before turning east towards Pakistan, India, China and Japan. The final leg of the journey will take the plane out over the Pacific towards Hawaii before crossing the west coast of the US and returning to its launch site. The flight should be completed inside 80 hours.
In July 1933, America's Wiley Post was the first to circumnavigate the globe by air, making it in just under eight days.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
06 May 2005
Electric car speed record attempt rescheduled
Following the postponement of Thursday's attempt on the official land speed record for an electric powered vehicle, the team of British engineers hope to be able to make a run later today. Thursday's planned attempt had to be abandoned due to strong crosswinds in the area of the Nevada test run site.
Electric car speed record attempt rescheduled
Following the postponement of Thursday's attempt on the official land speed record for an electric powered vehicle, the team of British engineers hope to be able to make a run later today. Thursday's planned attempt had to be abandoned due to strong crosswinds in the area of the Nevada test run site.
02 September 2003
Balloon ascent thwarted by icing risk
A world record altitude attempt by two balloonists has had to be suspended due to unsuitable weather conditions. The two British pilots Colin Prescot and Andy Elson are bidding to better an altitude record of 34,668m (113,740ft) set by an American pair in 1961.
Balloon ascent thwarted by icing risk
A world record altitude attempt by two balloonists has had to be suspended due to unsuitable weather conditions. The two British pilots Colin Prescot and Andy Elson are bidding to better an altitude record of 34,668m (113,740ft) set by an American pair in 1961.
05 July 2012
NHS Trust Investigated Over 25 Patient Death
One of the UKs biggest NHS trusts is being investigated over the death of 25 patients, after it admitted “poor record keeping”. “Extreme concern” has been expressed by Westminster and two other London local authorities over lost data on referrals at Imperial College Healthcare.
NHS Trust Investigated Over 25 Patient Death
One of the UKs biggest NHS trusts is being investigated over the death of 25 patients, after it admitted “poor record keeping”. “Extreme concern” has been expressed by Westminster and two other London local authorities over lost data on referrals at Imperial College Healthcare.
01 May 2003
Record fine imposed on FA over Turkey game
The English Football Association was today handed a record fine by UEFA and issued with a final warning on the future conduct of fans. UEFA's Control and Disciplinary Body today found the FA guilty of the disciplinary charges and fined them €99,000 - the highest ever fine for a racism-related charge.
Record fine imposed on FA over Turkey game
The English Football Association was today handed a record fine by UEFA and issued with a final warning on the future conduct of fans. UEFA's Control and Disciplinary Body today found the FA guilty of the disciplinary charges and fined them €99,000 - the highest ever fine for a racism-related charge.
09 August 2004
Atlantic record bid rowers rescued
Four men who were attempting to break the world record for the fastest Atlantic Ocean crossing in a rowing boat have been rescued after their vessel was snapped in two during a hurricane.
Atlantic record bid rowers rescued
Four men who were attempting to break the world record for the fastest Atlantic Ocean crossing in a rowing boat have been rescued after their vessel was snapped in two during a hurricane.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
