A Fuelish Pursuit
You are the commandant of a fleet of airplanes on an island in the middle of the ocean, the
last outpost of civilization in a post-apocalyptic world. All of your aircraft are identical, and
each is capable of flying exactly halfway around the world on a full load of fuel. In order to
defuse a doomsday bomb that is linked to the earth’s magnetic field, the bomb must be flown
all the way around the world, non-stop. Assume the following:
•
You have an unlimited supply of fuel and airplanes
•
All planes fly at the same speed and consume fuel at the same rate
•
None of your aircraft may land safely anywhere except on the island
•
Airplanes are capable of fueling each other in flight
•
More than one airplane may be refueled simultaneously from a single source
•
You do not have to factor in the length of time that it takes to take off, land, or transfer fuel
•
You do not have to allow for the weight of fuel or cargo in your calculations
•
Timing is otherwise critical
•
All aircraft must return safely to the island
•
No alcoholic beverages will be served in-flight
•
There is a $25 surcharge for each passenger carry-on
Given these circumstances, what is the minimum number of aircraft that is necessary to
allow one of them to make a complete trip around the world, thus defusing the bomb and
saving what’s left of civilization? Give details of how this would work.
The first reader to submit a correct
solution will be featured in the next
issue of Discover Smith Mountain
Lake.
Submit your answers to:
Discover Smith Mountain Lake Magazine
P.O. Box 880
Moneta,VA 24121
Or via e-mail to:
editor@discoversmithmountainlake.com
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Discover Smith Mountain Lake | Winter 2012
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A Brain Teaser