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Concorde Supersonic Airliner

The Concorde was a supersonic transport (SST) that was a joint development by France's Aérospatiale and the UK's BAC (British Aircraft Corporation). Its maiden flight was in 1969, and went into passenger service from 1976-2003.

213 Questions

Why was the Concorde airplane called the Concorde?

The Concorde airplane was named for its embodiment of "concord," which means harmony or agreement in French. The name reflects the collaborative effort between British and French aerospace engineers and governments in its development. Concorde was also intended to symbolize the pioneering spirit of supersonic travel, uniting two nations in the pursuit of advanced aviation technology.

Why the Concorde was only allowed to fly at supersonic speed over oceans and thinly populated areas and not over highly populated industrialised urban areas?

The Concorde was restricted to supersonic flight over oceans and sparsely populated regions primarily due to the noise generated by its sonic booms, which could be disruptive and potentially harmful in densely populated areas. Supersonic flight produces shock waves that can create loud, thunder-like sounds upon reaching the ground, leading to concerns about noise pollution and public discontent. Additionally, safety regulations and environmental considerations played a role in limiting its operations over urban areas, ensuring compliance with aviation standards and minimizing disturbances to residents.

How long is a Concorde?

The Concorde, a turbojet-powered supersonic passenger airliner, has a length of approximately 62.1 meters (203 feet and 9 inches). Its design allowed for high-speed travel, significantly reducing flight times across the Atlantic. The aircraft's sleek shape and advanced engineering contributed to its iconic status in aviation history.

What type of engine does the Concorde have?

The Concorde is equipped with four Rolls-Royce/Snecma Olympus 593 engines. These afterburning turbojet engines were specifically designed for supersonic flight, allowing the aircraft to reach speeds over Mach 2. The engines feature a unique combination of turbojet and turbofan technology, providing both high thrust and efficiency at supersonic speeds.

What is the max speed of a Concorde plane?

The Concorde, a turbojet-powered supersonic passenger airliner, had a maximum cruising speed of approximately Mach 2.04, which is about 1,354 miles per hour (2,180 kilometers per hour) at cruise altitude. This speed allowed it to significantly reduce flight times compared to conventional subsonic aircraft. The Concorde operated from 1976 until 2003, known for its speed and luxury in air travel.

When did Concorde fly over England?

Concorde first flew over England on March 2, 1969, during its maiden flight from Filton, near Bristol. It continued to operate commercial flights over the UK after entering service in 1976, primarily flying from London to various international destinations. The supersonic aircraft was known for its distinctive sonic boom when flying at speeds exceeding the speed of sound. Concorde remained in service until its retirement in 2003.

How many people can a French Concorde jet hold?

The French Concorde jet typically had a seating capacity of around 100 to 120 passengers, depending on the specific configuration chosen by the airline. Most configurations featured a layout that included both first-class and business-class seating, as the Concorde was primarily used for premium travel. Its design focused on providing a luxurious experience rather than maximizing passenger numbers.

How much does an Concorde weigh?

The Concorde, a turbojet-powered supersonic passenger airliner, had a maximum takeoff weight of approximately 408,000 pounds (184,000 kilograms). Its empty weight was around 239,000 pounds (108,000 kilograms). This impressive weight capacity allowed it to accommodate up to 100 passengers while maintaining its high-speed performance.

What happened to Concorde after the crash?

After the crash of Air France Flight 4590 in July 2000, which resulted in the tragic loss of 113 lives, Concorde's operations were suspended. The aircraft underwent extensive safety reviews and modifications, including improvements to its maintenance procedures and engine design. Concorde returned to service in November 2001, but the combination of economic factors, reduced demand for supersonic travel, and the impact of the September 11 attacks led to its retirement in 2003. Consequently, Concorde ceased commercial operations, marking the end of its era as a pioneering supersonic passenger jet.

When did the Concorde go into service?

The Concorde entered commercial service on January 21, 1976. The inaugural flight was operated by British Airways from London to Bahrain, while Air France launched its service from Paris to Rio de Janeiro on the same day. The supersonic passenger jet became renowned for its speed and luxury, significantly reducing travel time on transatlantic flights.

What is the Concorde made from?

The Concorde was primarily constructed from aluminum alloys, which provided the necessary strength and lightweight properties for supersonic flight. Additionally, it utilized titanium in areas exposed to high temperatures, particularly around the engines and leading edges of the wings. The aircraft also featured composite materials in some components to enhance performance and reduce weight. Overall, the combination of these materials ensured the Concorde could withstand the stresses of supersonic travel.

What is the length of Concorde?

The Concorde, a turbojet-powered supersonic passenger airliner, has a length of approximately 202 feet and 4 inches (61.66 meters). This sleek design contributed to its ability to cruise at speeds over twice the speed of sound. The aircraft was in service from 1976 until 2003, known for its unique combination of luxury and speed.

Does the Concorde grow when it flew?

Yes, the Concorde did experience a phenomenon known as thermal expansion when it flew. As it reached high speeds and altitudes, the temperature of its fuselage increased, causing the materials to expand. This expansion was accounted for in its design, allowing the aircraft to maintain structural integrity during flight.

How fast is the Concorde in mph?

The Concorde, a turbojet-powered supersonic passenger airliner, had a cruising speed of approximately 1,354 miles per hour (2,180 kilometers per hour) at cruise altitude. This speed allowed it to travel faster than the speed of sound, significantly reducing flight times on transatlantic routes.

What are the parts of Concorde?

The Concorde consists of several key parts, including the fuselage, wings, engines, and cockpit. The fuselage is the main body, housing passengers and crew, while its sleek delta wings contributed to its supersonic capabilities. Four Rolls-Royce/Snecma Olympus engines provided the thrust needed for supersonic flight. Additionally, the cockpit featured advanced avionics for navigation and control during high-speed operations.

How many people died in the Concorde?

The Concorde, a supersonic passenger jet, was involved in a tragic accident on July 25, 2000, when Air France Flight 4590 crashed shortly after takeoff from Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. The crash resulted in the deaths of all 109 people on board, including 100 passengers and 9 crew members, as well as 4 people on the ground. In total, 113 lives were lost in this incident.

What was the dimension of the Concorde plane?

The Concorde was approximately 202 feet 4 inches (61.66 meters) long and had a wingspan of about 83 feet 8 inches (25.6 meters) when its wings were extended. Its height was around 38 feet 7 inches (11.73 meters). The aircraft's distinctive delta wing design contributed to its supersonic capabilities and overall aerodynamic performance.

In what atmosphere did the Concorde cruise?

The Concorde cruised at altitudes around 50,000 feet, well above commercial air traffic and most weather phenomena. This high-altitude environment allowed it to fly in the lower stratosphere, where the air is thinner and offers less drag, enabling supersonic speeds. The specific atmospheric conditions at this altitude also contributed to its fuel efficiency and performance.

When did the Concorde make its final flight?

The Concorde made its final flight on October 24, 2003. This historic flight was operated by British Airways, departing from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport and landing at London Heathrow. The retirement of the Concorde marked the end of the era of commercial supersonic travel.

When did Concorde first fly?

The Concorde made its first flight on March 2, 1969. This iconic supersonic passenger aircraft was developed jointly by British and French manufacturers, and it showcased advanced aerodynamics and engineering. The successful test flight marked a significant milestone in aviation history, leading to its entry into commercial service in 1976.

How did the Concorde affect peoples lives?

The Concorde revolutionized air travel by significantly reducing flight times between major cities, making transatlantic travel more accessible and convenient. Its ability to travel at twice the speed of sound allowed passengers to experience an unprecedented level of luxury and efficiency, leading to increased global connectivity for business and leisure. However, the high ticket prices limited its use to the affluent, creating a unique travel experience that was out of reach for many. The Concorde also sparked discussions about the environmental impact of supersonic travel, influencing future aviation innovations.

What is the Concorde approach speed?

The Concorde's approach speed was typically around 180 knots (approximately 207 mph or 333 km/h) when landing. This speed allowed for a stable descent and safe landing, considering the aircraft's unique design and aerodynamics. The specific approach speed could vary based on factors like weight and environmental conditions.

How the Concorde was made?

The Concorde was developed through a collaboration between British and French aerospace industries, specifically British Aircraft Corporation and Aérospatiale. Its design began in the early 1960s, focusing on supersonic flight capabilities and sleek aerodynamic shapes. Advanced materials, such as lightweight aluminum alloys and titanium, were used to withstand high temperatures during flight. The aircraft's production involved meticulous engineering and extensive testing, resulting in its first flight in 1969 and entry into service in 1976.

How many concorde airplanes are there?

Only 20 Concorde airplanes were built, with 14 of them entering commercial service. The fleet was operated by airlines such as British Airways and Air France until its retirement in 2003. Today, a few Concordes are preserved in museums and aviation displays around the world.

When was the last commercial flight of concorde?

The last commercial flight of the Concorde took place on October 24, 2003. This iconic supersonic aircraft operated by British Airways flew from New York City to London. The retirement marked the end of an era for Concorde, which had been in service since 1976, primarily catering to business travelers seeking speed and luxury.