Breaking records via fuel management

Onboard sensors reported lower-than-expected fuel-tank readings not far into the around-the-world flight of the GlobalFlyer, jeopardizing the entire mission.

In March 2005, the Virgin Atlantic turbofan-powered GlobalFlyer flew around the world nonstop, unrefueled, in 67 hours and one minute. Aerodynamics was key to GlobalFlyer's success; its configuration was optimized for range and fuel efficiency. At takeoff, the aircraft was approximately 83% fuel by weight. Getting the fuel to where it was needed, while maintaining balance and stability in flight, required constant supervision and monitoring.

Scaled Composites, which also designed and launched SpaceShipOne, built the GlobalFlyer. The aircraft consisted of three bodies attached to a 114-ft wing measuring more than half the wingspan of a Boeing 747. Twin “booms” on either side of the central fuselage each carried almost 5500 lb of fuel.