But in the early 1970s governments knew so little about the physical effects of the sonic boom they carried out a string of tests to work out what it would do to humans and animals.

Documents released at the Public Record Office under the 30-year-rule reveal a host of international players were extremely worried they would face a flood of lawsuits from damage inflicted by the sonic boom as Concorde cruised tens of thousands of feet overhead.

Unknown effects

Concorde was designed to fly at supersonic speeds - faster than the speed of sound - and completed its first test flight in March 1969.

When Concorde passes the speed of sound, atmospheric pressure waves combine to form a shockwave called a "boom carpet". It can be heard within a 60-miles radius, depending on the environment.