Posted on 12/02/2013 11:45:25 AM PST by sukhoi-30mki
Nov 29 (Reuters) - The Czech Republic is close to selling up to 28 subsonic fighter jets to a private company in the United States after years of failed attempts to offload the surplus planes, the Defence Ministry said on Friday.
The U.S. company, Draken International, has placed a binding bid to buy 14 L-159 planes with an option for 14 more for a total price of up to 516 million crowns ($25.7 million).
The government should decide about the contract by the end of the year. It could be completed in January 2014, the defence ministry said.
"The Czech Republic has been trying to sell these planes since 2004. There were hundreds of talks with dozens of countries, but always without success," Defence Minister Vlastimil Picek told a news conference.
Picek is part of a caretaker cabinet that is leading the country until a new government can be formed following an early election in October.
The planes are from the state's stock. The L-159's maker, Czech firm Aero Vodochody, is also involved in talks for a possible contract for repairs and
(Excerpt) Read more at reuters.com ...
I’ll take one.
Good for doing the fly-overs Bammy won’t do.
Of course it would have to be demilitarized to be sold into civilian hands. Meaning the wiring in the weapon systems pulled out, no radar (probably doesn’t have one anyway) and no ejection seats.
Its not like buying Toyoda Corollas.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aero_L-159_Alca
according to the above they were bought in 2000 and have been trying to sell since 2005?
Two seater is nice,,, if I can start it I can fly it!!!!!
Don’t you have to get a permit or something to have this sort of weapon. I mean, I know it’s not as scary as one of those “Assualt Weapon” thingies. But still....
(Cynicism)
Rick on Pawn Stars was offered a de-militarized fighter plane from the former Soviet Bloc. Apparently they are more common than we might realize.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aero_L-159_Alca
according to the above they were bought in 2000 and have been trying to sell since 2005?
Yep. Mig 15's, for example, are very popular since the engine is a direct copy of a Rolls Royce engine that you can still get parts for.
Could not afford to operate, but if they want to donate, will take one.
Until something goes wrong. Then what do you do?
It used to be difficult to get a MIGs in the country. I remember years ago some guys in Wisconsin tried to import a MIG-21. U.S. Customs said no way. Now, there are a couple of privately owned MIG-29s flying.
A local guy has an old Yugoslav trainer.
Ejection seats may be allowed in the Experimental - Exhibition and Racing category - lots of details here -
http://www.faa-aircraft-certification.com/experimental-airworthiness-certificates.html
cool!
cool!
They could be one of the potential customers of the company buying these planes I guess.
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