Japan, France to develop new Concorde

PARIS, June 15 (UPI) -- Japanese and French aerospace industries have signed an agreement at the Paris Air Show to develop a more fuel-efficient next-generation Concorde.

Supersonic transport disappeared from the skies in October 2003 when the troubled Concorde, jointly developed by France and Britain, was grounded.

The Society of Japanese Aerospace Companies and France's Aerospace Industries Association hope to clear the numerous obstacles facing supersonic flight, including noise reduction, fuel efficiency and safety, the Mainichi Shimbun reported Wednesday.

"We would like the industries to realize supersonic transport by combining Japan's manufacturing technology with France's supersonic technology," Japanese Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Shoichi Nakagawa said.

In an agreement signed during the Paris Air Show, the aerospace industries of both countries will conduct a three-year study on the fundamental technologies needed for supersonic flight, before moving on to actual development of a plane.

Research activities are planned for technologies related to composite material structure, reduction of jet engine noise and other areas that can overcome the difficulties unique to supersonic flight.