yliäänisiviilikoneiden

Yliäänisiviilikoneet, known in English as supersonic passenger aircraft, were a category of jet airliners designed to travel faster than the speed of sound. The most famous examples were the Concorde, a joint British-French project, and the Tupolev Tu-144, developed in the Soviet Union. These aircraft represented a significant technological achievement, offering dramatically reduced travel times across long distances, most notably the transatlantic route.

The development of supersonic passenger travel was driven by a desire for speed and prestige in the post-World War II era. Both Concorde and the Tu-144 entered commercial service in the 1970s. Concorde, operated primarily by British Airways and Air France, flew from 1976 to 2003. The Tu-144 had a shorter operational life, with its passenger services ceasing in the late 1970s, although it continued some cargo and research flights.

Despite their speed advantage, these aircraft faced numerous challenges. High operating costs, including significant fuel consumption and expensive maintenance, made them economically unviable for many airlines. Passenger capacity was also limited compared to conventional subsonic jets. Environmental concerns, such as sonic booms and emissions, also played a role in their operational limitations and public perception. The tragic crash of Air France Flight 4590 in 2000 further contributed to Concorde's eventual retirement. The era of supersonic passenger flight concluded with Concorde's final flight, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and a testament to the pursuit of speed in aviation.