The LEGO Group is taking to the skies for its latest LEGO Icons set, which recreates a supersonic slice of aviation history in 10318 Concorde.
Unveiled today, 10318 Concorde recreates the iconic Franco-British airliner capable of cruising twice the speed of sound, which operated transatlantic flights from 1976 to 2003. A total of 20 different aircraft were built during the plane’s development and operation, including 14 used for commercial service by Air France and British Airways. The LEGO version captures the sleek lines and iconic shape of the bright white jet across 2,083 pieces.
The 18+ set sits on a stand to allow for display in either flight mode – with its nose upright – or in take-off and landing mode, with its droop nose tilted down for visibility. It also includes landing gear and a removable roof to show off the plane’s microscale interior, which boasts four-abreast seating (a reflection of the real-life plane, owing to its narrow fuselage), and even toilets in the cabin.
The majority of the real-life Concorde’s flights were destined for Washington and New York, as the noise of its sonic booms prevented all but transoceanic routes. And while it halved travel times to destinations all over the world during the early years of its operation, mounting costs and declining passenger numbers – as a result of the tragic Air France Flight 4590 crash in 2000, which was the Concorde’s only fatal incident – saw it retired from service in 2003.
Despite those issues, the Concorde remains legendary among aviation enthusiasts for being the first supersonic passenger-carrying commercial aircraft. You’ll be able to get your hands on the LEGO version – which measures 105cm long, 15cm tall and 43cm wide – when 10318 Concorde takes off on September 4 for VIP members, and September 7 for everyone else, for £169.99 / $199.99 / €199.99.
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