Concorde 101 (G-AXDN) retired to Duxford on this day in 1977.

On Saturday, 20th August 1977, Concorde 101 (G-AXDN) was retired to the Imperial War Museum in Duxford, England.

Concorde 101 was a pre-production model of the Concorde, built at Filton, Bristol, by the Bristol Aeroplane Company (BAC). The aircraft was used to refine Concorde and bring it closer to the design needed for commercial service. This included tasks such as engine development, wet runway taxi trials, and both hot and cold altitude testing

G-AXDN was the first Concorde to be fitted with the iconic droop nose and glass visor, which became standard on all subsequent Concorde aircraft.

The aircraft made its maiden flight on 17th December 1971, from Filton Airfield in Bristol, piloted by BAC test pilots Brian Trubshaw and John Cochrane.

During its testing career, Concorde 101 flew a total of 574 hours and 49 minutes across 273 flights and set a record for the fastest commercial transatlantic crossing in November 1974.

After completing its testing and development role, Concorde 101 (G-AXDN) was retired from active service in 1977. Today, it is preserved at the Imperial War Museum Duxford and is accessible to the public.

Credit: BAE Systems