For at least one plane to finish a trip around the world, how many planes do you need at least?

Question

There is an air base on the equator. The maximum amount of fuel that a plane can contain would be only sufficient for it to fly halfway around the world.

For at least one plane to finish a trip around the world, how many planes do you need at least?

Share your answer with detail explanation...

A trip around the world!
Logic Level 3

There is an air base on the equator. The maximum amount of fuel that a plane can contain would be only sufficient for it to fly halfway around the world.

For at least one plane to finish a trip around the world, how many planes do you need at least?

Details and assumptions:
Same plane doesn't depart twice or more.
The airplanes can use their fuel until it's empty. Starting the airplane doesn't take any time.
Every plane moves at the same speed, and on the same airway.
Assume the planes and air base are dimensionless, and thus, can turn directions instantly.
The plane can only be fueled via aerial refueling, and the amount of time the process takes is negligible.
Every plane starts at the air base and must return to the air base.

Answer 1

if the same plane can get refueled, one is sufficient to go round the world over the equator, OTHERWISE
three because there is remote likelihood of starting the second plane where the first has run out of fuel

Comments

Mine is coming as 5, can you explain you logic with three planes.