The hydraulic systems on Concorde 101 G-AXDN had remained dormant since her retirement in 1977. But with the technical expertise of Hydraulics Online, a bespoke plan was developed to reactivate the iconic Concorde droop nose – bringing movement back to one of aviation’s most legendary aircraft.
The Duxford Aviation Society, custodians of the British Airliner Collection, wanted to enhance the display of Concorde 101 G-AXDN at the Imperial War Museum Duxford. In response, Heritage Concorde proposed a bold idea: make G-AXDN the first UK Concorde since 2003 to operate its iconic droop nose.
To turn this vision into reality, Heritage Concorde invited Hydraulics Online to support what would become Project Salute – and we were honoured to step in.
The nose had last been lowered in the 1980s using the emergency free-fall system, after a failed attempt to activate the aircraft’s original hydraulics. With strong backing for the restoration, there was also understandable concern: the project required meticulous planning to ensure no damage to G-AXDN and full compliance with Health and Safety regulations.
Heritage Concorde supplied our team with the technical specifications for the Concorde droop nose system, and began inspecting the aircraft’s wiring and visor control mechanisms. The nose is powered by two hydraulic systems:
- 🟢 Green system: Normal operation
- 🟡 Yellow system: Standby
For safety and simplicity, only the green system was reactivated – isolated from all other hydraulic systems onboard.
The Power Pack Behind the Concorde Droop Nose
To restore movement to the Concorde droop nose, Hydraulics Online designed and built a bespoke hydraulic power pack – engineered to connect directly to the aircraft’s original nose hydraulic systems. This custom unit enabled the visor and droop nose to be raised and lowered on demand, with built-in safety features including:
- A pressure gauge for system monitoring
- A hydraulic pressure valve for controlled operation
While our team focused on the power pack, Heritage Concorde undertook the meticulous task of cleaning and preparing the nose mechanisms and inspecting the cockpit’s electrical control systems.
Before installation, the power pack underwent rigorous testing to ensure performance and safety. Once connected, specialist hydraulic mineral oil was added, followed by a full bleed and flush procedure to remove any residual debris from the dormant system.
Preparing the Aircraft – Concorde Droop Nose Restored
After decades of inactivity, the hydraulic systems on Concorde G-AXDN required a full internal clean. Over the course of 18 months, the restoration team worked meticulously to ensure every component was safe, functional, and compliant.
The result? G-AXDN became the only Concorde in the UK with a fully operational droop nose and visor – a landmark achievement in aviation preservation.
Graham Cahill, Director of Projects at Heritage Concorde, reflected on the collaboration:
“It has been a real pleasure dealing with the team at Hydraulics Online; they have been very accommodating throughout the project, giving expert advice and technical support… We really couldn’t have asked for more.”
A Historic Unveiling – Concorde Droop Nose Returns to Life
On 24th October 2014, David Garside, Chairman of the Duxford Aviation Society, officially unveiled the restored Concorde droop nose on aircraft G-AXDN at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford. The event was timed to coincide with the 11th anniversary of Concorde’s final commercial flight, marking a poignant moment in aviation history.
“It is 37 years since Concorde G-AXDN was flown to Duxford and since the hydraulic and electrical systems were last in operation,” said Garside. “The restoration projects have required the servicing and overhaul of many intricate components, and considerable patience and determination has been required over a two-year period to ensure their successful completion… We gratefully acknowledge the generous sponsorship and support from Hydraulics Online Ltd, and for designing and supplying the hydraulic power pack.”
G-AXDN was the first Concorde in the UK to have a fully operational droop nose and visor – a pioneering achievement that remains a powerful testament to engineering excellence, collaboration, and the enduring legacy of Concorde.
One of Our Proudest Achievements
Mark Tonks, Managing Director of Hydraulics Online Ltd, reflected on the significance of Project Salute:
“We were absolutely thrilled when Heritage Concorde asked if we could help on Project Salute. Our customer base is global, we’re always involved with a vast range of projects and systems design work and we deal with some big household names… but Concorde is in a different league. Seeing G-AXDN’s nose and visor moving again, knowing that we were part of the team that made it happen, is very special indeed.”
See the Concorde Droop Nose for Yourself
Why not visit Concorde 101 G-AXDN at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford, and witness her restored droop nose and visor in action? It’s a rare chance to experience one of aviation’s most iconic engineering feats up close.
Can’t make it just yet? You can watch the nose and visor in motion through these demonstration videos!
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Since "Project Salute" we have provided systems for two other UK Concordes; learn more about this iconic aircraft and our work with Heritage Concorde here.
Case Study – Heritage Concorde
Concorde is one of the most iconic aircraft in aviation history – so Hydraulics Online was honoured to be selected as the hydraulics partner for Heritage Concorde’s restoration work.
To date, we’ve designed and supplied hydraulic systems to power the ‘droop noses’ on three Concorde aircraft on display across the UK.
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G-BBDG (known as Delta Golf, pictured) was the British pre-production Concorde built to finalise the design and to allow the Concorde fleet to receive certification before the other aircraft entered passenger service.
Now residing at the Brooklands Museum this important piece of aviation history has a fully functioning droop-nose and visor – the second Concorde to receive a custom-made power pack from Hydraulics Online!
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Concorde G-BOAC, aka “Alpha Charlie”, located at the Manchester Airport Runway Visitor Park, is the third Concorde in the country with a restored moving nose and visor, expertly engineered by our Cheshire-based engineers and the Heritage Concorde team.
The restoration coincided with the celebrations for Concorde’s golden jubilee on 2nd March 2019 – marking 50 years, to the minute, since the first Concorde flight which took off from Toulouse at 13:30 GMT on 2nd March 1969.
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