Archival photograph of Tupolev Tu-144 prototype “00-1” CCCP-68001 at the 1971 Paris Air Show. This historic supersonic jet was the first Tu-144 built and was scrapped after retirement.
Photo by Stuart H Bourne
© Stuart H Bourne / Quality Aviation Photos International.
This archival photograph captures the Tupolev Tu-144 prototype “00-1” CCCP-68001 during its static display at the 1971 Paris Air Show—a pivotal moment in Cold War aviation history. As the very first Tu-144 airframe constructed (construction number 01-1), CCCP-68001 marked the Soviet Union’s entry into the race for supersonic passenger transport.
Nicknamed “Concordski” by Western observers, the Tu-144 was the world’s first commercial supersonic transport aircraft. CCCP-68001 made its maiden flight on December 31, 1968, beating Concorde into the air by two months. It was used exclusively for early flight testing and public demonstrations, including its appearance at Le Bourget.
Despite its historical significance, CCCP-68001 was not preserved. After completing its test program, the airframe was retired and eventually scrapped. No known components remain on public display.
For archival reference and aircraft history, see .
