The Concorde supersonic airliner operated from 1976 through 2003 when it was retired. At the time, it was the only supersonic aircraft capable of flying up to Mach 2.04 at an altitude of 60,000 feet.
Boom Supersonic is looking to become the next generation of supersonic aircraft more than 20 years later with its Overture airplane that was recently cleared by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to test the plane beyond Mach 1.
At the recent Farnborough International Airshow, Boom invited former Concorde pilots for British Airways to test Overture’s flight deck simulator to hear how it compares to the old school aircraft.
Mike Bannister, former chief Concorde pilot for British Airways, flew more hours on a Concorde aircraft than any other pilot. He has now become the first pilot to fly both the Concorde and a simulated Overture.
“I’ve long believed that Overture is the rightful successor to Concorde,” Bannister said. “After experiencing Overture’s flight deck, which is incredibly well designed and delightful to fly, my excitement and enthusiasm for this aircraft has only intensified.”
In the video, Bannister discusses his experience in the flight deck as well as how it compares to flying a Concorde aircraft.
Other former pilots from the Concorde were able to experience the Overture simulator were Keith Barton, Brian Oliver and John Tye.
