SU-27s out of the shadows at last
Fri Jul 24, 2009 3:53 pm
Hi Folks,
Many of you were probably wondering what happened to the Sukhoi SU-27s that were talked about some time ago. Here's the latest news release from Pride Aircraft:
* * * * * * * * *
Pride Aircraft is very pleased to announce the availability of the first and only pair of privately-owned, airworthy Sukhoi SU-27 Flankers in the world. Both are two-seat 'UB' models (NATO Code Flanker-C) with full flight instrumentation and controls in both cockpits.
These aircraft eclipse every other jet warbird in performance, technological sophistication, and "wow-factor." There simply is no comparison with any other aircraft you can own. And they're here in the USA and nearing completion.
Both aircraft have freshly-overhauled (zero-time) airframes with zero-time engines, and have just completed extensive inspections and Westernization by skilled factory technicians. They are completely de-militarized, retaining no weapons or weapons-carrying capabilities of any kind. The aircraft have U.S. instrumentation and avionics, but retain every bit of the character, pedigree, and performance they had in foreign military service.
If you want to own the most extraordinary aircraft type in the world, this is it. Period.
One or both aircraft are available. Serious, qualified buyers may contact John Morgan at prideaircraftinc (at) aol.com or at 815-969-7743. Please, no tire-kickers or "aircraft dreamers" should call.
* * * * * * * * *
More information is available at:
http://www.prideaircraft.com/flanker.htm
Many of you were probably wondering what happened to the Sukhoi SU-27s that were talked about some time ago. Here's the latest news release from Pride Aircraft:
* * * * * * * * *
Pride Aircraft is very pleased to announce the availability of the first and only pair of privately-owned, airworthy Sukhoi SU-27 Flankers in the world. Both are two-seat 'UB' models (NATO Code Flanker-C) with full flight instrumentation and controls in both cockpits.
These aircraft eclipse every other jet warbird in performance, technological sophistication, and "wow-factor." There simply is no comparison with any other aircraft you can own. And they're here in the USA and nearing completion.
Both aircraft have freshly-overhauled (zero-time) airframes with zero-time engines, and have just completed extensive inspections and Westernization by skilled factory technicians. They are completely de-militarized, retaining no weapons or weapons-carrying capabilities of any kind. The aircraft have U.S. instrumentation and avionics, but retain every bit of the character, pedigree, and performance they had in foreign military service.
If you want to own the most extraordinary aircraft type in the world, this is it. Period.
One or both aircraft are available. Serious, qualified buyers may contact John Morgan at prideaircraftinc (at) aol.com or at 815-969-7743. Please, no tire-kickers or "aircraft dreamers" should call.
* * * * * * * * *
More information is available at:
http://www.prideaircraft.com/flanker.htm
Fri Jul 24, 2009 4:00 pm
By the way, those of you in the Rockford, IL area should tune into WREX, Channel 13 News, this evening. A reporter and cameraman spent a bit of time on the ramp and in the hangar today, ogling the beasts... 
Fri Jul 24, 2009 4:45 pm
does anyone know how much those babies are selling for, i would be the "tire-kicker or aircraft dreamer" they are talking about, and was told not to call,,,still knowing the price would be fun. 
Fri Jul 24, 2009 5:10 pm
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.
That is the coolest part of that article. Not for military use. That is awesome.
Fri Jul 24, 2009 5:18 pm
That is awesome
Fri Jul 24, 2009 5:25 pm
Guess they did ALL their paperwork properly, including I's and T's! Wonder how much extra they had to do to prove they were properly de-milled? Reminds me, any word on that Spad? Gotta do that paperwork!!!!! Job's not done till the paperwork's done! 
Fri Jul 24, 2009 5:38 pm
Are they flying yet?
Fri Jul 24, 2009 6:56 pm
I noticed the Red Star insignia has been painted out. Is that a requirement from the FAA and/or DOD to prevent from "scaring the public" and making them think we are under Soviet invasion?
Can the Red Star be painted back on by a prospective buyer?
Can the Red Star be painted back on by a prospective buyer?
Fri Jul 24, 2009 6:57 pm
warbird1 wrote:I noticed the Red Star insignia has been painted out. Is that a requirement from the FAA and/or DOD to prevent from "scaring the public" and making them think we are under Soviet invasion?
Can the Red Star be painted back on by a prospective buyer?
That's weird. I see red stars on Yak 52's, 55s, Sukhois, etc., all the time.
Gary
Fri Jul 24, 2009 6:57 pm
tex-fan wrote:does anyone know how much those babies are selling for, i would be the "tire-kicker or aircraft dreamer" they are talking about, and was told not to call,,,still knowing the price would be fun.
If the prices of modern Western jets like the F-15 and F-16 are any comparison, it wouldn't surprise me to see these planes in the 20 to 40 Million dollar price range, as an educated guess.
Fri Jul 24, 2009 6:59 pm
retroaviation wrote:warbird1 wrote:I noticed the Red Star insignia has been painted out. Is that a requirement from the FAA and/or DOD to prevent from "scaring the public" and making them think we are under Soviet invasion?
Can the Red Star be painted back on by a prospective buyer?
That's weird. I see red stars on Yak 52's, 55s, Sukhois, etc., all the time.
Gary
Yea, but the public isn't scared by a prop airplane attacking their home!
We're talking about a modern, current, front-line Soviet plane here, not some ancient technology prop plane - there's a big difference, IMO.
Fri Jul 24, 2009 7:25 pm
Yeah, good point.
Gary
Gary
Fri Jul 24, 2009 7:28 pm
So I guess Obama had to paint out the communist red star on AF-1's tail? (reference to "Statue of Liberty" incident).
Rich
Rich
Fri Jul 24, 2009 8:42 pm
I think cause they are properly de-militarized, it will be cheaper than that. Fuel and maintenence as with all warbirds. I would say under 15mil. Still pretty high. But not outrageous.
Fri Jul 24, 2009 9:18 pm
Dang I'd settle for even a N3N before I'd ever want one of those things. 
