Scaled Composites expects to begin flight testing within two weeks the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer aircraft to be used for a single-pilot non-stop unrefuelled round-the-world record attempt. The aircraft was rolled out last week at Scaled Composites' headquarters in Mojave, California. The aircraft will be piloted by Steve Fosset on the 80h eastbound circumnavigation attempt. A tentative date of April has been set, but it is more likely to be towards the end of the year as this is the next window for the best jetstream characteristics.
Source: Flight International