Osprey Civil Aircraft : The Concorde Story : 21 Years in Service

Concorde is one of the wonders of the modern technical world - the first commercially successful airliner capable of speeds in excess of Mach 2 (twice the speed of sound). This book, now in its fifth Edition, describes the history of supersonic flight, the development and operation of Concorde. It includes the story of the tragedy at Paris, the accident investigation and Concorde's restoration. There is a look into the future of high speed flight. The author, Christopher Orlebar, has had wide experience as a Concorde pilot, gives a detailed account of the history of this most remarkable of civil aircraft, recalling its Anglo-French background and development - the first major aircraft project to be undertaken by such an alliance. Chapters outline the theory and dynamics of supersonic flight, chart the history of attempts to break the sound barrier and discuss other SST (supersonic transport) projects. This book describes what it takes to become a pilot of the world's fastest airliner. Specifications and data are included and there is a pilot's eye account of a flight from London to New York. Following the Concorde tragedy at Paris, the options facing the crew are discussed. Details of the modifications required for Concorde's return to service are described. The text is backed by a wealth of illustrations - most in colour - to provide a rounded and enlightened insight into the make up and operations of this most elegant of aircraft.

Contents

• Acknowledgements
• Foreword
• Preface
• The Background
• The Formative Phase
• Agreement with France
• Taking Shape
• The Other Supersonic Transports
• A Stormy Beginning
• The Turn of the Tide
• The Flight - Acceleration
• The Flight - Deceleration
• Training of the Concorde Pilot
• 21 Years in Service
• Sub-Orbital Travel
• The Tragedy at Gonesse
• Concorde Returns to Service
• Reflections
• Appendices
• Index