1969

About this book

"On March 2, 1969, with Andre Turcat at the helm, Concorde took off from Toulouse-Blagnac airport. During the Cold War, when Americans and Soviets were in fierce competition in the air and in space, Franco-British cooperation managed to impose its majestic supersonic [airliner]. Although its technical prowess was unanimously hailed, and the "big bird" was admired throughout the world, and economic constraints led this formidable adventure to commercial failure. Half a century after its take-off, Concorde no longer takes to the skies, however, it continues to make aviation enthusiasts dream and remains, for Toulouse residents, the symbol of consecration of their city as the world capital of aeronautics."-- Page [4] of cover.