Fighter jets are often seen as the pinnacle of military aviation, combining speed, agility, and firepower. Surprisingly, some of these impressive machines are available for private purchase. Here are fighter jets you can actually buy, along with their costs.
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Mikoyan MiG-29
The Mikoyan MiG-29 is a twin-engine fourth-generation fighter jet originally developed by the Soviet Union. It features a top speed of Mach 2.25 (1,490 mph) and is known for its agility and performance in dogfights. With advanced avionics and weapons systems, the MiG-29 remains in service with several countries. You can purchase a decommissioned MiG-29 for around $4.5 million, depending on its condition and any additional restoration work required.
McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II
The F-4 Phantom II is a tandem two-seat, twin-engine, all-weather, long-range supersonic jet interceptor and fighter-bomber. It was used extensively during the Vietnam War and remains a popular choice for private ownership due to its robust design and performance. With a top speed of Mach 2.23 (1,472 mph), you can find a restored F-4 Phantom II for sale at prices ranging from $3 million to $4 million.
Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter
The Northrop F-5 is a lightweight, supersonic fighter jet known for its agility and simplicity. It has a top speed of Mach 1.63 (1,075 mph) and has been widely exported and used by various air forces around the world. An F-5 in good condition can be purchased for approximately $2.1 million to $3.5 million.
Dassault Mirage III
The Dassault Mirage III is a French single-engine, single-seat, fighter aircraft developed in the late 1950s. It has a top speed of Mach 2.2 (1,450 mph) and is known for its delta-wing design. The Mirage III is valued for its performance and historical significance. You can buy a decommissioned Mirage III for around $1.5 million to $2.5 million.
Aero L-39 Albatros
The Aero L-39 Albatros is a high-performance jet trainer aircraft developed in Czechoslovakia. It has a top speed of 466 mph and is renowned for its ease of handling and maintenance. The L-39 is popular among private jet enthusiasts for its affordability and availability. Prices for an L-39 typically range from $200,000 to $500,000.
Hawker Hunter
The Hawker Hunter is a transonic British jet aircraft that served as a fighter, fighter-bomber, and reconnaissance aircraft. Known for its elegant design and solid performance, it has a top speed of 715 mph. You can acquire a restored Hawker Hunter for about $300,000 to $1.2 million.
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21
The MiG-21 is a supersonic jet fighter and interceptor aircraft designed by the Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau in the Soviet Union. It has a top speed of Mach 2.05 (1,385 mph) and is one of the most widely produced supersonic jets. A decommissioned MiG-21 can be purchased for around $200,000 to $500,000.
BAC Jet Provost
The BAC Jet Provost is a British jet-powered trainer aircraft used by the Royal Air Force. Known for its reliability and ease of operation, it has a top speed of 440 mph. The Jet Provost is a cost-effective option for private jet owners, with prices ranging from $100,000 to $300,000.
Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star
The Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star is an American jet trainer aircraft. Developed from the P-80/F-80, it has a top speed of 600 mph. The T-33 is valued for its historical significance and is a popular choice among vintage jet collectors. You can buy a T-33 for around $150,000 to $400,000.
Canadair CT-114 Tutor
The CT-114 Tutor is a Canadian jet trainer aircraft designed and built by Canadair. It has a top speed of 486 mph and is known for its durability and ease of maintenance. The Tutor is an affordable entry into the world of jet ownership, with prices ranging from $200,000 to $500,000.
Cessna T-37 Tweet
The Cessna T-37 Tweet is an American jet trainer aircraft used primarily by the United States Air Force. It has a top speed of 425 mph and is appreciated for its simplicity and robustness. You can purchase a T-37 Tweet for around $100,000 to $300,000.
Folland Gnat
The Folland Gnat is a British compact swept-wing subsonic jet trainer and light fighter aircraft. Known for its agility and performance, it has a top speed of 695 mph. The Gnat is a popular choice for vintage jet collectors, with prices ranging from $200,000 to $600,000.
North American F-86 Sabre
The F-86 Sabre is a transonic jet fighter aircraft developed by North American Aviation. It has a top speed of 685 mph and is famous for its role in the Korean War. The F-86 is a highly sought-after aircraft among collectors, with prices typically ranging from $250,000 to $1 million.
Mikoyan MiG-15
The MiG-15 is a jet fighter aircraft developed by Mikoyan-Gurevich for the Soviet Union. It has a top speed of 668 mph and is one of the most widely produced jet aircraft. A decommissioned MiG-15 can be purchased for around $100,000 to $300,000.
Sukhoi Su-27
The Sukhoi Su-27 is a twin-engine supermaneuverable fighter aircraft developed by Sukhoi. Known for its high speed and agility, it has a top speed of Mach 2.35 (1,553 mph). Although more expensive, a decommissioned Su-27 can be acquired for around $5 million to $10 million.
Douglas A-4 Skyhawk
The A-4 Skyhawk is a carrier-capable light attack aircraft developed by Douglas Aircraft. It has a top speed of 673 mph and is known for its compact design and versatility. A decommissioned A-4 Skyhawk can be purchased for around $500,000 to $1.5 million.
Dassault Alpha Jet
The Dassault Alpha Jet is a light attack jet and advanced jet trainer co-manufactured by Dassault Aviation and Dornier Flugzeugwerke. It has a top speed of 620 mph and is known for its versatility and performance. Prices for an Alpha Jet typically range from $500,000 to $1.5 million.
Saab 35 Draken
The Saab 35 Draken is a Swedish fighter aircraft known for its distinctive double-delta wing design. It has a top speed of Mach 2 (1,320 mph) and is valued for its performance and historical significance. A decommissioned Draken can be acquired for around $400,000 to $1.2 million.
Mikoyan MiG-23
The MiG-23 is a variable-geometry fighter aircraft designed by the Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau in the Soviet Union. It has a top speed of Mach 2.35 (1,553 mph) and is known for its versatility and power. A decommissioned MiG-23 can be purchased for around $1 million to $3 million.
McDonnell Douglas A-4 Skyhawk
The A-4 Skyhawk is a lightweight, single-engine attack aircraft developed by McDonnell Douglas. It has a top speed of 673 mph and is known for its agility and compact design. Prices for a decommissioned A-4 Skyhawk range from $500,000 to $1.5 million.
This article originally appeared on MyCarMakesNoise.
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