Supersonic Jet Aircraft: Concorde

The legendary Concorde, one of the two supersonic airliners was intended to usher in an age of high-speed commercial travel. The aircraft’s history can be traced back to the late 1950’s, when French, Sud-Aviation and Bristol Aircraft companies considered the possibility of a convenient commercial supersonic design.

The Aérospatiale-BAC Concorde plane, a supersonic commercial airliner, also known as the supersonic transport (SST), was the first flew in 1969. In 1976, Concorde started and continued its service for 27 years. It obtained the official FAI "Eastbound Around the World" and "Westbound Around The World" world air speed records. However, due to many complicated technological obstacles, both companies finally realised that the expensive development phase could not be covered by either firm on its own. Consequently, they signed a joint contract in 1962.

The British and French governments both contributed a large amount of money to fund the development cost. Many airlines were excited for supersonic aircraft from the middle of 1960’s until the early 1970’s, but due to increasing oil prices, apprehension about sonic booms, and complaints about its noisy engines, the Concorde was doomed. Out of 70 aircrafts that were originally ordered and 300 planned, only 16 production models were actually built. These aircrafts were so expensive that no airline company was willing to buy them, so the British and French governments gave them a way to museums across Europe and North America. The Concorde aircraft ceased its operations on October 24, 2003, but remains an icon of aviation history.