F/A-18A Navy Blue Angel Hornet (Ebay bargain at US $850,000.00)

Ebay ^ | 2/9/04 | LANDA AND ASSOCIATES

[The_Victor]

The only F/A-18A in private ownership in the world. This former Navy Blue Angel jet, was number 131 off the line, it has 3793 TT Total Airframe hours. Engines are 0 Zero time. Aircraft is apart only for transporting purposes and needs to be gone through and re-assembled. Everything to assemble we have. It has not flown in a few years and is stored in california. It has an N number. This aircraft was never demilled, "not cut ever". Complete with extras including bomb racks, drop tanks and pylons. This is a 25m dollar airplane new Was Number 1 and Number 5. Serial number:161973---Lot #6----Block # 13---Don't miss out on this one!

[The_Victor]

Seriously, if Free Republic can get enough members to kick in $100 each, have "Free Republic" painted on the side and "Lib Smasher" painted on the nose, and hire a pilot to fly her around to different airshows, then I'm in! All just to stick it in the liberals rear ends!

That would (maybe) get us the winning bid, but if you look here you'll see the condition of the aircraft. According to the seller it is only disassembled for transport (should be easy to get it assembled again), but getting it airworthy, FAA certified, etc might run the bill up a bit. Then there's maintenance and operation costs....

[AFreeBird]

I dunno, I assume this is one of the earlier models A/B. (Based on engine type - GE F404-GE-400

According to Boeing specs for the C & D:

F/A-18C/D Technical Specs

Length: Height: Wing Span:	56 ft (17.1 m) 15.3 ft (4.7 m) 40 ft (12.3 m)
Propulsion:	Enhanced Performance Engine (EPE): Two F404-GE-402 engines, each in the 18,000 pound thrust class. Combat thrust-to-weight ratio greater than one-to-one
Combat Radius: Combat Ceiling:	500+ nm (900+ km) Approximately 50,000 ft (15,250 m)
Armament:	Up to 13,700 pounds (6,227 kg) external ordnance. Nine weapon stations; two wingtip stations for Sidewinders, two outboard wing stations for air-to-air or air-to-ground weapons, two inboard wing stations for fuel tanks, air-to-air or air-to-ground weapons, two nacelle fuselage stations for AMRAAMs, Sparrows or sensor pods, and one centerline station for fuel or air-to-ground weapons. M61A1 20-mm gun internally mounted in the nose.
Crew:   F/A-18C   F/A-18D	One pilot One pilot, One weapons and sensors officer (WSO)
Three-View

So for all you experts out there; how does the C/D model differ from A/B?

It says the combat radius is 500+ nautical miles, so overall range would be a little over 1,000 nautical miles. I assume that's with internal tanks only? Also, what does combat radius mean in terms of velocity? In combat one assumes that you wouldn't be doing a constant speed, so if you had to work out an average; what would it be?

What would the addition of the three addidtional external tanks (2 wing, 1 centerline under fuselage) add to that range?

These are serious questions that need answering of one is to consider his very own turn and burn mode of transportation.

[Kirkwood]

I would paint the name "Hillary's Broomstick" on it with the appropriate graphic of the Senator.

Uh... On second thought, I think I might paint on "Britney's Broomstick" or "Shania on a Stick" or something like that. Someone I can stand to look at. ;^)

[LibKill]

I wish I was rich. I'd buy this bird and give it to my brother and father jointly. With the provision that they would have to take me for joy rides. (They are pilots, I'm not.)

[Professional Engineer]

Fold the wing tips up, and it'll be just like the hanger deck of the USS Ronald Reagan. I just have to paint the walls and ceiling gray, and the floor non-skid black. It'll be fun!

[snippy_about_it]

And from what I understand from the sailors around here is that once painted, we'll have to keep painting, over and over again. LOL. Whether it needs it or not.

[quietolong]

Is this for real?
The AF did not want a flying B-36 In Civilian hand! How would they let a F/A-18 out and about.

From the following link

Alarmed by the possibility of the plane becoming airworthy, the Air Force decreed that work cease on the flyout effort. They explained that the plane would be a threat to national security and would be a huge safety hazard if allowed to operate under civilian control.

B-36 PEACEMAKER MUSEUM
http://www.b-36peacemakermuseum.org/

A good read for what’s involved. For those who would want to restore this bird.

[Professional Engineer]

Sailors? You should be hanging out reputable types. Like Airmen!

If it moves salute it. If it doesn't, paint it.

[snippy_about_it]

Reputable types 'eh, hehehe. That's what they all say!

[BooBoo1000]

Lets gets the Freepers to chip in and buy it for Jim Bob, and send him around the country first class... HooooWaooo.

[FourPeas]

It's listed in Consumer Electronics > Radios: CB, Ham & Shortwave > Ham Radio > Accessories > Antennas??

[FourPeas]

According to Mr. FourPeas that's not a great deal. I'll pass. :-P

[SLB]

I see they accept PayPal! I wonder if my account will accept that much. FReep mail me and I will give my account email address so you all can donate.

[flying Elvis]

I should have bought the aircraft carrier that was on sell on ebay last month. I could have conquered half the world with these two toys.

[TC Rider]

Wait a minute, have we taken delivery on this yet?

Details here

[GladesGuru]

One can make hyper-enviros hyperventilate in unison by simply placing a tank on ones front lawn - and for waaayyyy less money.

[archy]

FReeper Foxhole project plane?

Not on Tuesday.

[archy]

I was thinking my garage would make the perfect hanger for it.

I think we can do a little better than that....

[snippy_about_it]

FReeper Foxhole project plane?

Not on Tuesday.

LOL! Nope Tuesday at the Foxhole is for Tread Heads!!!

[Professional Engineer]

I think we can do a little better than that....

How did I know that'd be brought up!