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0 pointshangonhn1y ago0 comments

No. I don't think that's correct. The Concorde used its afterburners during take off and to get through the transonic region, where the drag is very heavy. Once you've gone past that the drag drops. At that point the Concorde can turn off the after burners.

Source: https://www.heritageconcorde.com/concorde-engine-re-heats

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jdblair1y ago

That's right, the Concorde had engines capable of supercruise - long distance supersonic flight without afterburners.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supercruise#Aircraft_with_supe...

gpderetta1y ago

IIRC Concorde could super cruise a Mach 2 which is unmatched. It would also flight supersonic for most of its journey which is also presented unprecedented difficulties.

It was really an unique plane.

mshook1y ago

This is correct, reheat / afterburner was used from Mach 0.9 something to 1.7, after which they'd were off. So yes, Concorde could supercruise.

rbanffy1y ago

Legend says the Tu-144 used afterburners the whole time while supersonic, but, then, it seems five units have engines without afterburners (RD-36-51's replacing the Kuznetsov NK-144 used in most of the fleet).

I wonder what was the noise level in those late models.

ddalex1y ago

WHAT ?!?

ortusdux1y ago

"The Concorde relied on an afterburner to achieve supersonic flight..."

"The Concorde used its afterburners ... to get through the transonic region..."

Am I missing something, or is there no difference between these sentences?

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