Page 22 - Aviation News - September 2017

CONCORDE

THE LEGEND AND

THE INNOVATIONS

Aviation is progressive, iterations of design and procedure evolving

to defeat limitations. Robin Evans investigates how the unique
problems posed by the development of Concorde required exceptional
solutions, many of which are now commonplace in modern aircraft.

I nno Above: ‘V1...Rotate!’ Take-off from JFK with full the withdrawal of support being another
the withdrawal of support being another
nnovations gradually recede into vations gradually recede into
reheat – full vortex lift is now being generated.
catalyst for eventual retirement.
obsolescence but Concorde is that
obsolescence but Concorde is that
catalyst for eventual retirement.
Leonid Faerberg / Transport-Photo Images
rare thing, a benchmark that remains
The proposal for a Mach 2.0 airliner
Iunequalled and unsurpassed: both
past icon and future vision. It was retired in Aérospatiale) and the British Aircraft carrying 100 passengers required
extraordinary solutions. Motivated by an
2003 and rst ew in 1969 yet its in uence Corporation (BAC). In November 1962 a agreed lack of break clause (politically at
is still felt today on more recent aircraft treaty was signed that uni ed the intent least, here was a take-off that couldn’t be
designs. Plus supersonic speed still has and early designs (the Super-Caravelle rejected) the Anglo-French team made
its appeal with a crop of start-ups looking and Bristol Type 223) of both parties. The unprecedented efforts on slide rules and
at potential civil aircraft designs. Concorde importance of partnership was echoed rst-generation computers. Of the advances
was an incredibly futuristic aircraft that still in the formation of Airbus Industrie later to rise from drawing boards on both sides of
inspires. in the decade. The history of Concorde the Channel, some were new, others already
Concorde was forged in the heady is intrinsically linked to Airbus (and also in development or borrowed from military
crucible of post-war engineering: a to Toulouse and Filton) as the company applications. Some remain today, pioneering
partnership between Sud Aviation (later maintained parts support for Concorde – what we take now for granted.
22 Aviation News incorporating Jets September 2017

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