The only photo of the Concorde flying at supersonic speed
A rare photo of Concorde flying at Mach 2 prompts reflections on the engineering, testing, and operational quirks of supersonic passenger flight, from chase planes and cockpit design to fuel burn and sonic booms. Commenters contrast the awe and nostalgia of seeing or flying on Concorde with its noise, environmental impact, and limited economic rationale, noting that modern air travel prioritizes fuel efficiency and cost over speed. The thread also touches on new efforts like Boom Supersonic, questioning whether advances in technology, regulation, and ultra-wealthy demand can make a second era of civilian supersonic travel viable.
Supersonic photography and comparable aircraft
- Several commenters doubt it is literally the only supersonic photo of Concorde, suggesting many test-flight shots likely exist but aren’t public or easily found pre-internet.
- Discussion of what could keep up with Concorde at Mach 2: suggestions include military interceptors like the English Electric Lightning or another Concorde.
- SR‑71 Blackbird is repeatedly mentioned as faster, with notes that its performance tables only go down to Mach 2.2, implying Mach 2 would be “slow” for it. Debate over whether it could “match speed” safely or within certified regimes.
Noise, sonic booms, and public impact
- Many personal memories of Concorde’s distinctive roar near Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, JFK, and elsewhere.
- Some recall it as exciting; others found it disruptive enough to halt conversations or cause neighborhood resentment.
- Sonic booms and complaints about cracked windows and structural damage are cited as a major driver behind restrictions and eventual bans on overland supersonic flight.
- One extended rant frames Concorde as a noisy prestige project for elites with negligible societal benefit.
Museums and surviving airframes
- Multiple museums worldwide host preserved Concordes (Bristol, Seattle, NYC, Paris, Toulouse, Scotland, Germany).
- Visitors remark on the cramped cabin, very busy analog cockpit, and structural expansion in flight (e.g., a hat still wedged in an expansion gap).
Boom Supersonic and future SSTs
- Boom’s upcoming Mach 1 test flight is noted, with skepticism about its economics: fewer seats than Concorde but similar cost and fuel issues.
- Some see the target market as business jets and ultra-wealthy customers; others question engine availability and regulatory hurdles.
- Environmental, noise, and equity concerns are raised, including fears of “ask forgiveness later” over sonic impacts on remote communities.
Flight times, efficiency, and regulation
- Lament that NYC–London block times haven’t improved since the 1960s, despite Concorde’s brief era.
- Counterpoint: massive advances in safety, fuel efficiency, and cost-per-seat; fuel economics drive slower cruise speeds today.
- Debate over whether deregulation killed innovation vs regulation (especially noise rules) constraining supersonic commercial flight.
Altitude and curvature
- Some assert Concorde’s altitude allowed passengers to see Earth’s curvature; others argue apparent curvature in photos may be lens distortion or perspective, citing optical research. Disagreement remains unresolved.