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Imagine this: You're a renowned scientist like Professor Fukanō, about to embark on a daring round-the-world flight in a plane you designed yourself. There's just one tiny problem – your plane doesn't have enough fuel to make the entire journey. Sounds like a real show-stopper, right? Well, not for Professor Fukanō! He's got a plan, and it involves some clever fuel-sharing tactics and two trusty assistants. Buckle up, because we're about to dive into this fascinating aviation puzzle!
The Challenge: A Fuel-Limited Flight Around the World
Professor Fukanō's plane is a marvel of engineering. It can zip around the equator at a speed of one degree longitude per minute, meaning it could circle the globe in a brisk six hours. The catch? Its fuel tank can only hold enough fuel for half the journey.
This is where the real challenge begins. With a limited fuel supply and only one airport for refueling, how can Professor Fukanō possibly achieve his dream of a non-stop flight around the world?
The Solution: A Symphony of Mid-Air Refueling
The professor, being a genius and all, wouldn't let a little thing like limited fuel stop him. He devised a brilliant solution: build not one, but three identical planes, each capable of sharing fuel mid-air.
Think of it like a perfectly choreographed dance in the sky. The three planes, piloted by the professor and his assistants, Fugōri and Orokana, take off together and perform a series of precisely timed fuel transfers.
Here's how it goes down:
- Phase 1: The Initial Leg - All three planes take off fully fueled. After 45 minutes, Orokana tops up the professor and Fugōri's tanks, leaving herself just enough fuel to return to the airport.
- Phase 2: The Solo Stretch - The professor continues his journey alone, while Fugōri returns to the airport and Orokana prepares for her next mission.
- Phase 3: The Midpoint Rendezvous - Orokana, now refueled, flies east to meet the professor at the halfway point. They share fuel, ensuring the professor can continue.
- Phase 4: The Final Support - Just as the professor and Orokana are about to run dry, Fugōri, fully fueled, swoops in to provide the final fuel top-up, allowing all three planes to land safely back at the airport.
The Takeaway: Teamwork and Timing Make the Dream Work
Professor Fukanō's round-the-world flight is a testament to the power of ingenuity, planning, and a little bit of mid-air magic. It highlights how even seemingly insurmountable challenges can be overcome with creative problem-solving and a healthy dose of teamwork.
So, the next time you're facing a seemingly impossible task, remember Professor Fukanō and his incredible fuel-sharing feat. It just might inspire you to find your own innovative solution!
"The professor promises his planes will soon be available for commercial flights, just as soon as they figure out how to keep their inflight meals from spilling everywhere." - Judd A. Schorr
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