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Supersonic Dream
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Program Overview
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NOVA takes a look at the world's first supersonic jet, the Concorde,
and its place in aviation history.
The program:
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follows Britain's and France's independent bids to build the jet
and explains how rising development costs led to a partnership
between the two countries.
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looks at how costs skyrocketed during the plane's 10-year
development, eventually totaling £1.4 billion, ten times
the original estimate.
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reviews some of the plane's notable technological developments,
including its air intake, jet engine, and electronics package.
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notes the public's continuing fascination with the plane ever
since its maiden flight in 1969.
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reports early successes of the plane that projected a fleet of
250 aircraft.
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notes how sentiment toward the plane began to change during an
international sales tour that met with growing environmental
concerns about the sonic booms created during supersonic flight.
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follows the Concorde's struggles to survive, noting key turning
points such as securing landing rights in New York, raising
fares, and targeting new clientele.
looks at American efforts to build a supersonic jet. -
traces the events that led to the Concorde's retirement in 2003,
including the launch of the Boeing 747, the 2000 crash of
France's Concorde, and the 2001 Word Trade Center attacks that
resulted in the death of many of the plane's regular clientele.
Taping Rights: Can be used up to one year after the program
is taped off the air.
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