The Futuristic Dream: Airplanes that Circle the Globe Without Stopping

The idea of an airplane taking off from an airport, circling the globe, and landing back at the same airport without any stops may seem like something from a science fiction movie. However, let's explore the possibility and reality behind this fascinating concept.

Types of Aircraft Capable of This Feat

Any aircraft with in-flight refueling capabilities could potentially complete this journey. However, the plane(s) would need to be fast and equipped for long-duration flights, as pilots would need to rest and engage in activities such as eating and playing video games. This task might be made more interesting by switching pilots, as demonstrated by the design of Burt Rutan's aircraft, which was specifically created for a single, large-scale flight around the world without refueling stops.

The Boeing X-37, a vehicle designed for re-entry experiments, might also be able to achieve this feat. However, it is generally considered a space vehicle rather than a conventional airplane. This primarily focuses on its capabilities for long-duration flights in space, rather than strict atmospheric requirements for airplanes.

Pioneering Flights: Rutan Voyager and Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer

While theoretically possible, the closest thing to an airplane that has achieved this is the Rutan Voyager. Designed by Burt Rutan, the Voyager completed a historic journey in 1986, completing a circumnavigation of the Earth with two pilots, Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager. This aircraft is currently displayed in the National Air and Space Museum. Similar to the Voyager, the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer also completed such a flight, landing back at its departure point in 2005.

However, it is important to note that both the Rutan Voyager and Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer are retired and are on display in museums. They are not currently operational and cannot be used for flights.

Alternative Approaches: Single Flight Loops

An alternative to circling the globe is to complete a single, continuous flight loop that starts and ends at the same point. For example, an airplane could take off from Alert, Northwest Territories, fly to the North Pole, and circle the North Pole multiple times before returning to Alert. At a distance of just over 500 miles from Alert to the pole, a B-52 with a range of 8,800 miles could easily complete this flight multiple times.

This approach presents a more feasible solution for current aircraft, as it does not require the extreme endurance and in-flight refueling capabilities necessary for a full circumnavigation without stops.

Historical Achievements

Three instances of airplanes circling the globe without stopping have been recorded. The most notable of these is the 1986 flight of the Rutan Voyager. This remarkable voyage was completed with two pilots on a single tank of gas, showcasing the pinnacle of aviation technology at the time.

Both flights by the Rutan Voyager and its successor, the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer, have left an indelible mark on aviation history. These flights not only demonstrated the limits of current aircraft technology but also pushed the boundaries of human endurance and innovation.

While these historical achievements remain, they serve as a reminder of the potential for future advancements in aviation. The dream of circumnavigating the Earth without stopping is not just a futuristic concept—it is a testament to human ingenuity and the ongoing pursuit of flight's wonders.

Keywords: airplane circling globe, Rutan Voyager, Boeing X-37