This study of the famed supersonic commercial transport examines the history, design production and service of the Concorde, from the initial planning stages to the aircraft's first flight in 1975 and the tragic accident in France in July 2000. The story begins with a brief background of supersonic flight and a look at plans dating as far back as the 1950s for a commercial SST. The story of how the eventual Anglo-French collaborative adventure took root despite political differences is accompanied by a complete design and testing history, complete technical specifications and more than 150 photographs and illustrations. Also included is information on the only other supersonic commercial carrier to see service: the RussianTupolev Tu-144 Charger.