What were the maximum speed and altitude at which a Concorde could fly?
The Concorde has a maximum speed of Mach 2.2 ( 2.2 times the speed of sound), or 1450 miles per hour (2333 km per hour) at an altitude of about 50,000 feet (15.25 km). This is the maximum speed that the aircraft can reach if air friction is not to heat up and weaken the aluminum skin. Even at the 94 degree F (-70 degrees C) temperature and thin atmosphere at the cruising altitude the aircraft would have to be made from titanium (as is the SR-71 Blackbird) or stainless steel if it were to travel faster. In standard operation the Concorde cruises at Mach 2.02, about 1354 miles per hour (2179 km per hour).
