Scaled Composites Model 311 Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer
The Scaled Composites Model 311 Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer was a single-seat, single-engine experimental aircraft built around extreme fuel fraction and low drag for long-distance record flights. Steve Fossett used it to complete the first solo nonstop, unrefuelled circumnavigation by airplane in March 2005 and later the longest aircraft flight by distance; the surviving aircraft is preserved at the Smithsonian’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.
Follow this vehicle family
Future launches and major activity directly linked to this vehicle family.
Identity
- Aliases
- Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyerGlobalFlyerScaled Model 311Model 311Global Flyer
- Family Name
- Scaled Composites Model 311 GlobalFlyer
- Full Name
- Scaled Composites Model 311 Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer
- Roles
- researchexperimentaltechnology_demonstrator
- Status
- retired
- Type
- aircraft
Details
- Aircraft Specs
- Configuration
- fixed_wing
- Operating Modes
- land
- Takeoff Landing Capabilities
- conventional
- Description
- The Scaled Composites Model 311 Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer was a single-seat, single-engine experimental aircraft built around extreme fuel fraction and low drag for long-distance record flights. Steve Fossett used it to complete the first solo nonstop, unrefuelled circumnavigation by airplane in March 2005 and later the longest aircraft flight by distance; the surviving aircraft is preserved at the Smithsonian’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.
- First Flight Year
- 2,004
- Manufacturer
- Propulsion Configurations
- Entries
- Count
- 1
- Propulsion System
- Role
- main
- Name
- GlobalFlyer FJ44-3ATW installation
- Notes
- Scaled Composites Model 311 Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer used one Williams International FJ44-3ATW turbofan as its single engine. This configuration is scoped to the GlobalFlyer record-aircraft family and does not generalize the exact ATW installation to other FJ44-powered aircraft.
Links
- Official Url
- https://scaled.com/portfolio/globalflyer/
Assets & Meta
- Creation Time
- August 9, 2026 at 05:12:23 UTC
- Updated Time
- August 25, 2026 at 06:25:09 UTC