June 1, 2007 at 1:27 am
Ok…silly question. I’ve seen where the ultra rich, or ultra in debt, have acquired military jet fighters for personal fun. I’ve seen several with F-86’s and T-33’s and even one guy with a Mig 21 (lets leave that out of this). The question is….what older jet fighter would be the most reliable and least expensive to own? Would a 1950’s jet fighter just eat you alive in maintenance? Replacing hot sections, various pumps..etc. Or would various airframe hydraulics just bleed cash?
Sooo…
What would be a cheap (in crazy rich guy terms) to own?
F86? (which version?)
Mig 15 or 17?
Fuji T-1? (Maybe with a nice late model Orpheus upgrade)
That barrel shaped Saab?