Capturing an image of Concorde hurtling through the sky at twice the speed of sound wasn’t just difficult—it was nearly impossible. Yet, thanks to meticulous planning, a daring RAF pilot, and a skilled aviation photographer, one breathtaking shot exists.
This isn’t just any photo. It’s the only known image of Concorde soaring at Mach 2, taken high above the Atlantic in 1985. The challenge? Finding an aircraft fast enough to keep up.
Enter the Royal Air Force’s Tornado fighter jet. Stripped of unnecessary weight to maximize speed, it was pushed to its limits to match Concorde’s blistering pace. In the backseat of the Tornado sat Adrian Meredith, camera in hand, waiting for the perfect moment.
With the Tornado and Concorde streaking across the sky in tandem, Meredith snapped the shot—a once-in-a-lifetime image of aviation history. In that frame, Concorde appears as it should: elegant, powerful, and effortlessly gliding through the heavens.
But what makes this photo even more extraordinary? While the outside world saw a futuristic jet rocketing ahead, inside the cabin, passengers sipped champagne, dined on gourmet meals, and barely felt the speed beneath them.
This image isn’t just a snapshot—it’s a time capsule of an era when supersonic travel was real, luxurious, and way ahead of its time.
Concorde may never fly again, but this legendary photo ensures it will never be forgotten.
