The Peak of the Supersonic Era: Tupolev Tu-144S CCCP-77144
Step back into the height of the Cold War aerospace race with this authoritative portrait of the Tupolev Tu-144S. Taken during the 1975 Paris Air Show at Le Bourget, this image captures the Soviet "Charger" in a rare, symmetrical pose that highlights its aggressive, aerodynamic silhouette and pioneering engineering.
Historical Significance This specific aircraft, Airframe 02-2 (Registration CCCP-77144), was a centerpiece of Soviet technological pride. The photograph showcases the aircraft’s specialized retractable canards—deployed here for low-speed stability—giving the viewer a direct look at the engineering that defined the world’s first commercial supersonic transport.
As noted in the history of the Tupolev Tu-144 on Wikipedia, the "Charger" was the first commercial aircraft to exceed Mach 2. Following the conclusion of its flight program, this specific airframe (02-2) was retired and ultimately scrapped in 1987, making this high-fidelity photograph a vital record of its operational life.
Exhibition Details: Show Code (361) A key detail for historians is the aircraft's official designation for the event. During the 1975 Paris Air Show, CCCP-77144 was assigned the Show Code (361). This exhibition number was used to identify the airframe within the official Le Bourget flight program, providing a verified link to the event's historical documentation and distinguishing this specific performance from previous appearances.
The Artist’s Eye Shot by esteemed aviation photographer Stuart H. Bourne, this print is a flagship piece of the Quality Aviation Images archive. Bourne’s composition masterfully balances the massive scale of the Tu-144 with the intricate details of its nose gear and cockpit geometry. For more technical data and performance specs on this specific model, you can visit AeroCorner.
Archival Quality for Collectors Available in a variety of sizes to suit your gallery, office, or home study, each print is produced using professional archival processes:
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Fade-Resistant: Printed on heavy-duty, acid-free paper designed to preserve deep contrasts and silver-metallic tones for decades.
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Versatile Sizing: Choose from several dimensions in the dropdown menu. Each size is meticulously cropped to maintain the integrity of the original composition.
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Secure Delivery: All prints are handled with professional care and shipped in reinforced packaging to ensure they arrive in pristine condition.
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