Features
GeminiJets 1/200 scale Aerospatiale/BAC Concorde diecast model is As Real as it Getsâ„¢ and measures approximately 12-1/4-inches long with a 5-inch wingspan. Manufactured by GeminiJets as a limited edition, highly collectible model, this Concorde - Registration G-BOAA - has been meticulously recreated from Aerospatiale/BAC's blueprints and features realistic landing gear and detailed graphics, assuring the utmost accuracy and superior quality. A Display Stand is included. The Concorde's history dates to 1957 when the French government called upon the aircraft makers of Sud Aviation, Dassault, Nord Aviation, and the state airline, Air France to develop the world's first supersonic airliner. Not to be outdone by the French, Great Britain had its own supersonic transport in the making, which was designed by the British Aircraft Corporation and Hawker Siddeley. Interestingly, the two governments merged their accomplishments on November 29, 1962 and came up with a combined Anglo-French project, which they named "Concorde." The prototype aircraft first rolled out on December 11, 1967, with the first flight having occurred on March 2, 1969. Unfortunately, Concorde came at a time when fuel prices soared, and the world's economy was taking an extended downturn. During this same time, many carriers had overextended themselves with purchases of wide-bodied airliners. Finally, environmental issues associated with Concorde's noise forced the aircraft from flying to many destinations within the United States. Regrettably, all these factors resulted in only 13 sales of the Concorde - 7 aircraft to British Airways and 6 aircraft to Air France. When the first two aircraft entered service on January 21, 1976 - despite the misfortunes that Concorde encountered in the earlier years - it was still looked upon as the most beautiful airliner ever built. Concorde maintained its position as the flagship of British Airways and Air France until it completed its last commercial flight on October 24, 2003.