Scaled Composites builds plane for solo nonstop globe circumnavigation attempt

Aviation Week & Space Technology
10/27/2003, page 14

Virgin Atlantic Airways plans to use a Scaled Composites aircraft in
an attempt next year to complete the first solo nonstop
circumnavigation of the globe. The aircraft, dubbed the GlobalFlyer,
will be flown by either Steve Fossett or Virgin Atlantic Chairman
Richard Branson. Branson is acting as the reserve pilot. The aim is to
complete the flight in less than 80 hr. The Burt Rutan-designed,
composite-material aircraft has a maximum gross weight of 22,066 lb.
and an empty weight of 3,577 lb., which allows for 18,000 lb. of fuel.
Wingspan is 114 ft. The GlobalFlyer is powered by a single Williams
FJ44-3 turbofan engine. Maximum altitude for the pressurized cockpit
aircraft is 52,000 ft.