Summary
- The second-hand fighter aircraft market offers a wide range of planes, including historical models used in war.
- Various online sites and aircraft brokers provide options for purchasing a fighter jet with user-friendly interfaces.
- Aircraft museums also sell older fighter jets, offering opportunities for enthusiasts to acquire such aircraft.
While many never find themselves in the position to make a personal acquisition of a fighter jet, the industry is undoubtedly on the rise. The second-hand fighter aircraft market is immensely dynamic, with all kinds of planes available for sale, with some ranging from small single-seater fighters to large long-range jets. Furthermore, some fighter aircraft for sale are historical models used in war or for military operations in the distant past. But where would one be able to purchase a fighter jet? In this article, we will break down listing sites where you just might be able to find your next military aviation purchase.
Background
For aviation and military enthusiasts alike, flying a fighter jet may be a bucket list item. Fighters boast exceptional performance and are the impetus for multiple sports car interiors. Since fighter jets first came on the military aviation scene following the Second World War, many have been enamored by the engineering masterpiece. But it is challenging to be a fighter pilot, as shown in Tom Cruise’s movie Top Gun.
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To be a fighter pilot, you must meet high criteria such as fast reflexes, reaction times, peak physical health, and performance. This is in addition to the high IQ and eyesight requirements. As such, most people can never become fighter pilots for the military. However, just because they can’t become a fighter pilot for the military doesn’t mean they can’t fly a fighter jet. Since fighter jets have been around for almost 80 years, many are outdated, retired, and are available for sale.
Owning a fighter jet still means you will need to obtain the necessary licenses and take care of a myriad of other costs, such as fuel, mechanics, and a place to store it, among others. Today, many old-school fighter jets are on the market for civilians, and although it may be expensive, especially when factoring in all those extra fees, these fighter jets may still be on sale for less than you might expect.
Online sites
There are many sites where prospective fighter jet buyers can search for a particular aircraft. One of these sites is Hanger 67, which showcases old military jets for sale ranging from the 1974 MiG 21 to the 1962 McDonnell Douglas A4d Skyhawk. Then, if you click on the jet, it will redirect you to the website that is selling it.
Another site is Controller, where people can sell and buy different aircraft, including fighter aircraft. Some aircraft available on this site range from a 2010 McDonnell Douglas TA4J Skyhawk to a 1959 McDonnell Douglas F4H-1F jet.
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Both websites’ interface makes it relatively user-friendly and allows one to filter by price, age, and model. Furthermore, both websites show the jet’s location, making it easy to see how far the aircraft is from you.
Brokers
Websites are not the only place to purchase a fighter jet. There are aircraft brokers all across the world selling old military jets. One of these brokers is St. Lucie, Florida-based Raptor Aviation, which sells and buys commercial and military jets. Their collection includes a 1974 MiG 21UM, CL-41G Tebuan / Tutor Jet, and a 1974 Sepecat Jaguar T.2A are just some of the warbirds available.
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Another broker is Rockford, Illinois-based Code 1 Aviation, which restores and sells military aircraft. Some aircraft they are currently selling include a 1985 Aero Vodochody L-39C, BAE Hawk MK 53 T1, and 1979 Aero Vodochody L-39C, among others. These fighters range in price from $300,000 to $850,000, depending on the year and aircraft type.
Museums
Aircraft museums across the country also sell older fighter jets. One of these museums is the Valiant Air Command Museum in Titusville, Florida. They are selling some of their older planes through Courtesy Aircraft Sales. Some of the aircraft listed for sale, including a 68RW Grumman F8F-2 Bearcat, A Hawker FB-11 R-3350, and a 1958 De Havilland DH115 T55, are among fighter aircraft currently being sold.
Photo: Dan Simonsen | Shutterstock.com
Another company, Jet Art Aviation, supplies fighter jets for museums, private displays, and gate guardian use. Jet Art Aviation boasts a massive selection of fighter jets, from a 1996-built ex-Royal Navy Sea Harrier FA2 to a 1969 ex-Royal Air Force AAC Harrier to a 1984 Panavia Tornado F2A aircraft.
