c/n 10041, l/n 04-1. NATO codename:- Charger The Tu-144 was the world’s first supersonic transport aircraft making its first flight in December 1968, some two months before Concorde. It went supersonic in June 1969 and achieved Mach2 in May 1970. Sadly, fatal accidents in 1973 and 1978 ended its passenger career, although some remained in use on cargo/postal flights and as research aircraft. This example first flew in 1975 and spent five years as a trials aircraft before retiring for preservation at Monino. Since my last visit in 2012 her nose has been raised to the ‘in-flight’ position, making her look much sleeker. She remains on display at the Central Air Force museum, Monino, Moscow Oblast, Russia.