Concorde

Definition

Concorde was a turbojet-powered supersonic passenger airliner that operated from 1976 until 2003, known for its ability to fly at speeds over twice the speed of sound. This iconic aircraft revolutionized air travel by significantly reducing flight times on transatlantic routes, embodying the pinnacle of aviation and aerospace technology during its era.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Concorde could fly at a maximum cruising speed of about Mach 2.04 (approximately 2,180 km/h or 1,354 mph), drastically cutting flight times between New York and London to about 3.5 hours.
2. The aircraft was a joint venture between British Aircraft Corporation and Aerospatiale of France, with a total of 20 units built for commercial use.
3. Concorde was equipped with four Rolls-Royce/Snecma Olympus 593 engines that provided the necessary thrust to achieve supersonic speeds.
4. The operational altitude for Concorde was around 60,000 feet, allowing it to fly above most weather and commercial air traffic, enhancing passenger comfort and experience.
5. Despite its technological advancements and luxury experience, Concorde was retired in 2003 primarily due to high operational costs and a decline in passenger numbers following the tragic Air France Flight 4590 accident.

Review Questions

• How did the design and technology of Concorde influence the future of aviation?
  • The design and technology of Concorde set a new standard in aviation by demonstrating the feasibility of commercial supersonic travel. Its advanced aerodynamic design allowed it to achieve unprecedented speeds while maintaining passenger comfort. This influenced later aircraft designs by emphasizing efficiency and performance, although no supersonic passenger aircraft has matched Concorde's combination of speed and luxury since its retirement.
• Evaluate the impact of environmental concerns on the operations and eventual retirement of Concorde.
  • Environmental concerns played a significant role in the operations and retirement of Concorde. The aircraft's noise levels during takeoff were notably higher than subsonic jets, leading to restrictions on where it could operate due to noise regulations in urban areas. Additionally, its high fuel consumption raised environmental issues regarding carbon emissions, contributing to a growing public awareness about sustainable aviation practices that ultimately factored into its phased-out service.
• Critically assess the economic viability of operating Concorde compared to contemporary commercial airliners.
  • Operating Concorde proved economically challenging compared to contemporary commercial airliners like the Boeing 747. While it offered unique advantages such as speed and exclusivity, its high maintenance costs, limited seating capacity, and soaring fuel expenses made it less competitive in a market increasingly focused on cost efficiency. The economic downturns post-9/11 also led to reduced demand for premium air travel, emphasizing how economic conditions can dramatically affect the viability of niche aircraft like Concorde in the broader aviation landscape.

Related terms

Supersonic Flight: Flight that occurs at speeds greater than the speed of sound, typically defined as Mach 1, which is approximately 1,235 km/h (767 mph) at sea level.

Boeing 747: A wide-body commercial jet airliner designed and manufactured by Boeing, known for its large capacity and long-range capabilities, often considered the first 'jumbo jet.'

Aerospace Engineering: The field of engineering focused on the development of aircraft and spacecraft, encompassing both aeronautical and astronautical engineering disciplines.