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Whilst the Concorde and Tu-144 did ultimately enter service (the latter carrying mail), the initial 1960s US SST effort, headed by Boeing with its swing wing 2707-200 (pictured in an artist's impression), only ever reached the mock-up stage. T he project was finally killed by the US Senate which axed all funding fo the highly controversial and very expensive project though in retrospect, many airlines feel that Boeing's performance and operating cost estimates at the time were widely optimistic. It is perhaps worth noting the intended launch customer, Pan American, which was then the industry leader and in its time launched both the 707 and 747 ... how times have changed.
Future SST Development
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Future Sst Development Depends on International Effort to Solve Environmental Problems
The next generation supersonic airliner, or “Son of Concorde” as it has been widely labelled, is being actively studied in an international research effort and whilst lessons have been learnt from past supersonic experience new technologies must be developed to make the aircraft a reality.
The next generation supersonic transport (SSl)-alternatively termed HSCT, High Speed Commercial Transport-will replace and indeed surpass the Concorde, the only SST now flying. However, the Concorde’s technology dates back to the 1960s and by early next century it will reach the end of its operational life, having been a commercial failure for its makers yet an technological success that has provided valuable lessons for future SST development.
SST development commenced as far back as the 1950s, with Bristol in the UK and Sud Aviation in France working separately on their own projects, though both designed what were on paper essentially similar aircraft, not surprising given that each was working to meet the same basic design requirements. Both teams were well aware of each other’s work, as were their respective governments who each financially embraced the SST concept as one to preserve national aeronautical prestige.
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