http://www.news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=2086247

Richard Branson announced a new, futuristic aircarft that is capable to complete a round-the-world journey in 80 hours at an altitude of at least 50,000 feet on 23 Oct 2003, which is to be called as Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer.

The 285mph aircraft will be piloted either by record-holder Steve Fossett, who was Sir Richard's partner in his last global ballooning attempt, or Sir Richard, who will be reserve pilot.

The single-pilot, single-engined plane is being built in the Mojave Desert in California by a company called Scaled Composites.

The attempt will take place next year – either around April or from October onwards depending on the weather and with a take-off from a central USA location.

Weighing just 22,066lb and only 3,577lb empty, the aircraft will have 17 fuel tanks. The cockpit will be 7.7ft long and large enough for the pilot to lie down and to house food, water and personal equipment.