Ridiculous History The Rise (and Crash) of the Concorde Jet
Jan 13, 2026
Discover the fascinating story of the Concorde jet, a marvel of aviation that promised transatlantic flights in under four hours while serving luxurious caviar and champagne. Listen as hosts explore its revolutionary design, the fierce global competition, and how operational limitations kept it exclusive. Dive into the tragic crash of Air France Flight 4590, which led to its untimely retirement. Explore the Concorde's legacy, from its lavish onboard service to its lasting impact on air travel, making it a wildly ambitious but ultimately flawed venture.
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Supersonic Promise And Limits
- The Concorde promised transatlantic travel at more than twice the speed of sound and cut London–New York to about 3.5 hours.
- The project married national pride and aerospace tech but faced steep economic and operational constraints.
Politics Shaped Supersonic Development
- Britain and France pooled resources in 1962 to build the Concorde as the SST—Concord symbolized international agreement as much as technology.
- The U.S. and Soviet projects showed supersonic transport was possible but economic viability differed by country.
First Flights And The Big Bird Quote
- Concorde's prototype first flew in March 1969 and the French pilot declared, "the big bird flies."
- In 1973 a Concorde crossed the Atlantic nonstop in 3 hours 33 minutes, shocking the public with its speed.