Welcome to the 29th insertion of DEMUR®, an analytical series highlighting the intricacies of the artistic world and the minutiae lying within. In this episode we look at the success and downfall of the world's first supersonic commercial jet - Concorde.
On October 14th, 1947, the Bell X-1 Jet piloted by Charles Yeager of the U.S air force broke the local sound barrier at a speed of 1,066 Kmph, marking an advancement in not only aerospace technology but in the way we viewed travel. The ability to fly at such high speeds would revolutionize flight, cutting travel times down substantially if refined.
The largest feat of supersonic flight was largely attributed to drag and take-off speed at such high Mach levels. Proto-types in the early 1950’s attempted to shorten the wing speed and reduce drag during travel, but posed massive issues in lift. The “slender delta” silhouette was realized, using trapezoidal or coined “delta” winds to create airflow vortices and reduce air pressure, subsequently lowering acceleration times. However, in order to create this distinct flow, the plane must be angled at a steep incline, thus giving Concorde it’s unique, downspout appearance.
After rigorous testing over decades of development, Concorde first flew on March 2nd, 1969 void of passengers. It wasn’t until the 21st of January, 1979 that high-level clientele were invited aboard the Concorde plane at a staggering price of nearly $12,000 USD ($46k USD today). Departing from London and landing in Bahrain under British Airways, then flown from Paris to Rio de Janeiro by Air France at a top speed of 2,179 Kmph (1.76 mach), the Concorde appeared to be a success in supersonic air travel.
Luxury became synonymous with the Concorde jet as sub-4 hour transatlantic air travel and full course meals grew normal. In operation for 27 years and completing over 50,000 trips, the reign closed at an abrupt halt following intensive environmental concerns and a crash killing 113 persons. The high production cost, low carrying capacity and emissions at elevated flight led to a ban on the Concorde in 2006.