Concorde Virtual Tour

Concorde: The Supersonic Marvel of the Skies

In 1956, the British and French aerospace industries embarked on a collaborative endeavor, laying the foundation for one of the most iconic supersonic transports in aviation history. Years of meticulous design studies culminated in a formal agreement in late 1962, marking the commencement of detailed design and development. It was in 1963, during a speech by French President Charles de Gaulle, that the remarkable aircraft received its name, "Concorde." The maiden flight of the French-manufactured prototype 001 soared into the skies above Toulouse in March 1969. Just a month later, its British counterpart, prototype 002, took to the skies over Filton, England. This collaboration eventually led to the creation of a total of 20 Concorde aircraft, manufactured between 1969 and 1979. Operated by Air France and British Airways, these glamorous supersonic jets offered an unparalleled blend of luxury and speed, whisking passengers across the Atlantic and other select routes at exhilarating velocities for 27 extraordinary years. Capable of achieving speeds surpassing twice the speed of sound and cruising at altitudes of up to 60,000 feet (18,290 meters), Concorde effortlessly completed round trips from London to New York in the time it took conventional aircraft to travel one way. However, the Concorde's dazzling career was marred by a tragic accident in Paris in the year 2000. This event, coupled with escalating operational costs, resulted in a decline in demand, ultimately leading to the discontinuation of Concorde services in 2003. At the heart of Concorde's exceptional performance lay its elegant "ogival" delta wing design, a marvel that harnessed vortex lift during takeoff and landing, eliminating the need for complex and heavy high-lift mechanisms. The engine, an Olympus 593, was a testament to British and French ingenuity—a collaboration between Rolls-Royce and SNECMA. This power plant, unique in its commercial application, boasted reheat capability (afterburner), specifically utilized during takeoff, enhancing Concorde's performance. The aircraft on display at The Museum of Flight, bearing the registration code G-BOAG and affectionately known as Alpha Golf, emerged from the production line in April 1978 and was delivered to British Airways in 1980. It was the eighth Concorde crafted in Britain. Fitted with four formidable Rolls-Royce/SNECMA Olympus 593 Mk. 610 turbojet engines, Alpha Golf notched over 5,600 takeoffs and more than 16,200 flight hours during its illustrious service. Its final commercial flight under the British Airways banner, from New York to London on October 24, 2003, marked the end of an era. On its retirement flight to The Museum of Flight on November 5, 2003, Alpha Golf etched its name into the annals of aviation history by establishing a speed record, covering the distance from New York City to Seattle in a mere 3 hours, 55 minutes, and 2 seconds. During this journey, much of the flight spanned the northern expanse of Canada, where Concorde gracefully traversed the skies at supersonic speeds for an impressive 1 hour, 34 minutes, and 4 seconds. The Concorde remains an enduring symbol of innovation and aeronautical prowess, a testament to the marvels of aviation technology.