At the Smithsonian where I saw Concorde

When  I first made a model of an Air France Concorde jet way back in 1977, I had never even imagined that I would see it one day.  Unexpectedly, a visit to the United States in August 2022 turned this into a reality when I visited Washington DC where my long time friend Srinivas took us to the Smithsonian Institute of Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar Hazy Center. Here I was most delighted to see this huge and beautiful jet from very close range, the very one that had its last flight before being withdrawn from service on 23 Nov 2003.  More details on the unique supersonic jet and of the museum are available on the web. It produced a sonic boom, so it flew at a height of 60,000 feet only transoceanic. 

Entrance

It is a huge museum where they have kept old aircrafts like toys in a showcase, under a huge curved roof and very vast area.  What a delight!  There were also many rare little aircrafts hung from the roof. 

There it is, the Air France Concorde.  Look at it! 

Its unique nozzle and cockpit, seen from above

Wheels

Nearly under it, next to the huge wheels

A video of its full view.

Here was also the Space Shuttle Discovery, that had spent 365 hours in space on its several visits. Standing under its huge barrel like exhaust outlets was a thrill.  

Front portion view

Rear portion view

                                                                           Nozzle view

Above is the model I made from balsa wood, keeping a picture of it from a magazine as the basis, in 1977.  I have a separate post on its making here: [Click]

State of Virginia is very close to Washington DC and this is located in this state.  This is one place one will remember for a long time, if visited. I will, thanks to my dear friend Srinivas.  It's only here we get to see such things under one roof.

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