Tu-144, the first supersonic jet, 1969
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Tu-144, the first supersonic jet, 1969
First supersonic jet, the Tupolev Tu-144, in flight over Russia in June 1969, being escorted by a MiG-21 fighter jet (lower left). The Tu-144, developed by the Soviet Union, was the worlds first supersonic passenger transport. It made a successful test flight on 31 December 1968, two months before Concorde, and first broke the sound barrier on 5 June 1969. However, a series of crashes and problems led to passenger services being discontinued, with the last official flight taking place in 1978
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Media ID 6441659
© RIA NOVOSTI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1900s 1960s 1969 Abandoned Aerial Photography Aeronautical Aeronautics Aeroplane Air Craft Air Plane Aviation Early Flight Flying History Of Science June Passenger Pioneering Plane Russia Russian Sound Barrier Soviet Soviet Union Super Sonic Transport Transportation Uss R Escorting Mono Chrome
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a momentous event in aviation history. In the vast skies over Russia in June 1969, the iconic Tupolev Tu-144, the world's first supersonic passenger transport, soars through the air with grace and power. Accompanying this technological marvel is a MiG-21 fighter jet, serving as its loyal escort. Developed by the Soviet Union, the Tu-144 made its maiden test flight on 31 December 1968 – two months before its British-French counterpart Concorde. It shattered barriers both literally and metaphorically when it broke the sound barrier on 5 June 1969. This pioneering achievement marked a significant milestone in aeronautical advancements. However, despite these early triumphs, a series of unfortunate crashes and technical issues plagued this ambitious project. As a result, passenger services were ultimately discontinued after facing numerous challenges. The last official flight of this remarkable aircraft took place in 1978. This photograph not only showcases an extraordinary duo soaring through Russian airspace but also serves as a testament to human ingenuity and ambition during an era defined by rapid technological progress. It encapsulates both the excitement surrounding supersonic travel and highlights some of the obstacles faced along this groundbreaking journey into aviation history. Captured from above with stunning aerial photography techniques by Science Photo Library, this image immortalizes an important chapter in transportation history – one that forever changed our understanding of speed and possibility in air travel.
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