Archival photograph of Tupolev Tu-144S CCCP-77144 (airframe 02-2) taking off at the 1975 Paris Air Show. This historic Soviet supersonic jet was later scrapped after retirement.
Photo by Stuart H Bourne
© Stuart H Bourne / Quality Aviation Photos International.
This archival photograph captures the Tupolev Tu-144S CCCP-77144 (construction number 02-2) during its dramatic takeoff at the 1975 Paris Air Show—a defining moment in Cold War aviation history. As the fourth production Tu-144S built, CCCP-77144 was operated by Aeroflot and used extensively for demonstration flights and technical trials.
The Tu-144, nicknamed “Concordski,” was the world’s first commercial supersonic transport aircraft, entering limited passenger service ahead of Concorde. CCCP-77144 played a key role in showcasing Soviet aerospace innovation to international audiences.
Despite its prominence, this airframe was not preserved. After retirement, CCCP-77144 was scrapped, and no known parts remain on public display. The Tu-144 currently exhibited at Monino is a different airframe—CCCP-77106.
For archival reference and aircraft history, see .
