Old V New Technology
The most unfortunate elements common to this and the Concorde crash is that they both nearly made it to a runway. Perhaps looking back at history we may find that systems such as JATO and RATO, necessitated by the lack of technology two manufacture large by pass fan jet engines producing huge power, were effective in assisting heavy metal off the ground. Why such a concept cannot be applied to modern aircraft design. Had these been available I am sure the BA crew would not have had the desperate need to look for assistance from the APU and the AF Concorde would have had that small but crucial burst of energy to give them a fighting chance to make it to Le Bourget. I think in these days of two powerplants and ETOPS, manufacturers ought perhaps consider some form of emergency power back up system that may provide a short but vital source of energy when all else has failed.