"everyone,"
I saw this elsewhere and thought it was 'interesting' and that others here may have an interest as well. It's a sign of how some things have changed. It seems for the tidy, paltry sum of a cool $5 million you can purchase your very own civilian version of a SU-27. Pride aviation has a pair available for purchase just outside Rockford, Illinois. It just recently passed FAA phase 1. It'll soon be cleared for the friendly skies of the US. What a great time it would be to take this hot rod on a joy ride!
http://www.prideaircraft.com/flanker.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4lE6HcBPxw&fmt=18
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRA0w...eature=channel
Daytime after burner test with detailed rear cockpit view
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9By6...eature=channel
Night time after burner test
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df3vW...eature=channel
Images:
http://www.prideaircraft.com/images/...t-Ramp-800.jpg
http://www.prideaircraft.com/images/...er16800T-c.jpg
http://www.prideaircraft.com/images/...ecaled-550.jpg
http://www.prideaircraft.com/images/...1oclock-01.jpg
Quote:
Now, a few words about these aircraft. For quite some time, there have been rumors and whispers about these aircraft. We even released some photos of them as they arrived in the USA. This led to much speculation and incorrect reports by aviation press sources.
The aircraft arrived here in a completely de-militarized condition -- all weapons systems and military-related hardware had been previously removed, in full compliance with U.S. and Ukranian laws.
They were not brought here for any military purpose. They were brought here to be privately-owned and operated -- just like every other jet "warbird" in America. Because of the freedoms we enjoy here (as aircraft enthusiasts and "warbird" owners in the U.S. and elsewhere are keenly aware), private individuals and/or aircraft museums have the opportunity to collect and operate almost any sport aircraft they desire.
The Su-27 Flanker, while at first glance a serious piece of hardware (and it is!), is a 4th Generation fighter. It was designed beginning in 1972, and the first prototype flew in 1977. It entered service over 25 years ago, in the mid-1980s. Its abilities are widely known, and variants of it have participated in numerous U.S. military exercises against F-15s, F-16s, F-14s, and F/A-18s.
However, the new 5th Generation F-22 Raptor, and other aircraft now appearing on the scene, have rendered any discussion of "cutting-edge" fighter technology completely superfluous. It may seem harsh to say it, but because the Su-27 and aircraft of its generation are now becoming sport aircraft (warbirds) in the U.S., this is evidence that that technological improvements in fighter aircraft have continued to advance far beyond what was once considered "high-tech" and "leading edge." This is definitely not an indictment of the lovely Sukhoi Su-27. It is, and will remain, an extraordinary aircraft with superior performance. But it is now available to private individuals precisely because of these rapid advancements. We fly them for sport because we can.
Pride Aircraft is very pleased to be the only place you can get one (or two!) We look forward to hearing from qualified buyers.
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*Note: I don't have a financial stake here or anything other than a passing interest. I thought it was quite cool and is one of the few opportunities in the world to own such an aircraft. Many countries won't allow it and have made laws which prevent civilian ownership of these aircraft.
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