Voyager Takes Off on Last Test Flight Before Global Trip
MOJAVE, Calif. — The Voyager aircraft took off early today on its last scheduled test flight before attempting to circle the world without refueling or stopping.
Voyager lifted off from nearby Edwards Air Force Base at 6:58 a.m. in favorable weather for a flight expected to last 24 to 48 hours, said Kelly Chandler at Voyager’s headquarters at Mojave Airport.
The sleek and slender Voyager weighed 7,500 pounds at takeoff, heavier than it ever weighed on 51 previous test flights. The aircraft will weigh 9,300 pounds when it attempts the world flight. It will not be flown at that weight until then.
Pilots Dick Rutan, 48, and Jeana Yeager, 34, who were aboard the craft today, will need 10 to 12 days to cover their 27,000-mile route around the globe.
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