Unused aircraft

[Grim901]

I was wondering what happens to aircraft after they leave service. I know that the US mothballs them in that aircraft graveyard in the desert, but what do countries like Britain do after they finish with them?

Do they keep them around or do most get destroyed apart from a few gate guardians/museum exhibits etc.

 

[kato]

You can buy ex-Bundeswehr F-4F Phantom II frames from VEBEG every couple weeks. The parts that remain after completely stripping them anyway, for raw metal recycling.

 

[shadowcat1313]

I dont remember if its in the UK or the US, but theres now at least one Harrier in private hands, and flyable. so it probably depends on the aircraft, and what connections the purchaser has.

I think it saw it talked about in either Aero News Network, or Warbird Alley
http://www.warbirdalley.com/

interesting side note: some years back Yakolev got the bright idea of building new Yak-3 and Yak-9 aircraft using the original plans etc, but with modern materials and american engines[Allison engine from the P-40/38 and early 51], and selling them on the Air Show/Air Race market. not sure how many they actually have sold.

 

[shadowcat1313]

Warbird Alley says the privately owned Sea Harrier has started flying on the Air Show circuit as of september last year

 

[shadowcat1313]

depending on how old you want to go, there are a fair number of warbirds out there in private hands, look in the jet aircraft section at warbird alley for more information

 

[dave_kiwi]

, and selling them on the Air Show/Air Race market. not sure how many they actually have sold.

Well at least one (1). Tim Wallace of "Warbirds over Wanaka" fame (New Zealand) brought one, since sold. Saw it flown by Mark Hanna in April '96.

http://www.defencetalk.com/pictures/showphoto.php/photo/35138

 

[shadowcat1313]

seen pictures of at least one on the flight line at Oshkosh also, I had a chance to work concessions at the AirVenture a couple of years back, and didnt take it, still kicking myself for not taking it.