The ignition boosted Airbus that could revolutionize the way we fly. The aircraft manufacturer was recently granted a patent for its second concord, Concord 2.0. Reportedly, the “ultra-rapid air vehicle” has a top speed of 4.5 mach, which is more than four times the speed of sound. As a passenger plane, it can potentially travel from Paris to Tokyo in 3 hours. Also, from London to New York in less than an hour.

This is a major upgrade from its predecessor, Concord 1.0, which had a top speed of 2.5 mach. While it flew from Heathrow to JFK in just three and a half hours. It is half the time of a commercial flight. Also, its operational costs became insurmountable, and it made its final flight in 2003.

Following years of extensive research, Airbus finalised the design of Concord 2.0 in 2011. Along with a pair of turbojets and ramjets, the modernised aircraft is also armoured with a rocket engine. After takeoff, the turbojets would retract into the fuselage, as the rocket engine vertically blasts the aircraft to an altitude of around 35,000 m above the Earth’s surface. Once it reaches its maximum height, the ramjets laterally push the aircraft at its highest, hypersonic, speed.

As the aircraft transcends new limits of speed and altitude, industry insiders are calling this the “highest rollercoaster ride in the world.” Airbus explains this steep height is necessary to avoid the noise pollution caused by its prequel. Thus, the first Concord traveled at a relatively lower height and it was panned by critics and civilians. As the sonic boom of its engines and jets creating an alike loud noise.

Internally, the Concord 2.0 is to accommodate 20 passengers aboard. Instead of squeezing seats between spaces, or dividing the aircraft into individual cabins, the aircraft treats each passenger to a comfortable hammock-like seat. Although ideally suited for the finest of businessmen – especially given the exorbitant costs involved – the aircraft could also help transport military soldiers at record speeds.

Enthusiasts, however, won’t be able to book their tickets or see the aircraft flying anytime soon. The patent for this has only just been granted, and Airbus has occasionally abandoned projects even after gaining the patents. The development of the second Concord is still rather primitive. Also, insiders predict that it may take another 30-40 years before Concord 2.0 launches commercially – if at all.

Till then, one can at least revel in the anticipation that the Concord series is likely to continue. And, it may not be too long till we can fly with the speed and style which we could once only dream of.

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