Sage-Tips

Why did the Concorde fly so high?

Its engine has twin turbochargers so that it can climb and cruise at higher altitudes than similar normally aspirated aircraft. The aircraft is equipped with onboard oxygen for the passengers thus permitting high altitude cruise.

Did Concorde fly higher than normal planes?

Concorde was the first — and still only — passenger aircraft that had turbojet engines with afterburners. Cruising at Mach 2 — or 1,350 mph — at 60,000 feet, Concorde flew five miles above and 800 mph faster than the subsonic 747s plodding across the Atlantic.

What is one reason why jet powered aircraft of today fly at high altitudes 30000 feet or more?

Most often, commercial airplanes fly anywhere between 30,000 and 42,000 feet in the air, which equals five to seven miles high. Why? The main reason is fuel efficiency. Put simply, airplanes use less fuel in higher altitudes where the air is thinner, increasing the efficiency and saving them money at the same time.

How much fuel did Concorde use on takeoff?

The Concorde, used about 2 tons of fuel to taxi from the gate to the airport’s runway. During takeoff, Concorde operated on afterburner, due to which it consumes at the rate of 32.5 liters each second.

Did the Concorde have first class?

Concorde had only one class, by the way. All 100 seats, arranged 2-2, were the same and offered the same level of service.

Why is there no more Concorde?

Concorde was retired from service in October 2003 after British Airways and Air France blamed a downturn in demand and increasing maintenance costs.

Why did Concordes nose move?

The reason the nose cone could move up and down was to help the pilots see during landing and taxiing. Because of the shape of the wing, the plane needed a high angle of approach and high speed to produce sufficient lift at the relatively low speeds used for landing and takeoff.

Why did Concorde fly at such a high altitude?

Well, Concorde or any supersonic flights cannot maintain their speeds at lower altitude due to drag. If a Concorde fly below 40,000 feet, they burn more fuel than they actually do. Skin heating and environmental concerns are the other reasons for Concorde to fly at higher altitudes.

How fast can a Concorde fly?

The aircraft could go a maximum speed which was over twice as fast as the speed of sound. This translates to about 1,354 mph. Where are the retired Concorde aircraft?

What happens to the Concorde when it goes supersonic?

The aircraft gets blisteringly hot when it goes supersonic, which caused Concorde to expand 6-10 inches at its cruising speed of Mach 2 due to thermal expansion. A regular flyer of the Concorde described what it was like to fly in it: “For a girl used to flying steerage, the experience was unbelievable.

How many Concorde planes were built?

Concorde was jointly developed and manufactured between France and The British Aircraft Corporation under an Anglo-French treaty. Twenty aircraft were built, including six prototypes and developmental aircraft. Air France and British Airways were the only airlines to purchase and fly the Concorde.