An example (approximately), although not a twin, a three-holer, Lockheed L1011-500, max payload, 11 hours, reduced payload, 13 hours is possible....I've personally done 12:30.
No payload, 14 hours....just.
As with most jet aircraft, the specific range is many times greatly increased with a reduced payload.
Another example.
B747SP.
Max payload, 13 hours, as I recall.
Minimal payload, 16 hours...just, but the alternate (if there is one), has to be close by.
The same is generally true with large turbopropellor designs.
Interesting to note that the max range achieved was with a CL-44, and it held this record until the B747SP came along.
It does take just a tad longer, however.
Pistons?
Two DC-6B's were delivered to AirFrance, SMO-ORY (no payload), non-stop, with standard long range tanks, 5512 USG.
With these aircraft, a fixed power setting is used (constant 1100 BHP), so of course the speed increases with reduced enroute weight.
The record holder with civil piston aircraft was the Lockheed 1649 Constellation, 23:10 enroute, ORY-SFO, I believe.
However, oil remaining was often a limiting factor.
Last edited by 411A; 18th August 2007 at 01:09.