Fly like’a Fighter

Let’s allow our imagination to run wild for a minute. Picture it, you’re on that tarmac runway, surrounded by flipping cool fighter jets, you’re all suited up and ready to fly faster than the speed of sound… not to mention all the on-the-ground perks like all the adoring girls and the respect that comes with that uniform. Oh if only.

Well, if you’ve got deep pockets you could turn that dream into a reality. That “if” being “if” you’ve got the cash to foot the $8.5 million price tag.

An original 1980 Air Force F-16 fighter jet was recently listed for sale in Palm Beach, Florida by Jet Lease – alongside two other F-16 Vipers (which could be you and two friends if you’re rich enough). The seller originally purchased the used aircraft from Jordan which acquired it from NATO allies.

Now we know what you’re thinking, “1980!?”

But don’t be fooled by its age, this F-16 has not been all the bells and whistles and hasn’t been demilitarized. It’s a fully functioning combat jet… so you’ll need to try really hard not to get into any trouble.

This particular F-16 has been enhanced with modern upgrades and it’s compatible with night-vision helmets. It can reach a maximum speed of Mach 2.05 at 40,000 feet (1,573 miles per hour) with a maximum range of 2,400 miles and an initial climb rate of 62,000 feet per minute.

Aside from the heavy price anyone who does decide to purchase it would need to comply with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITARS), which implements the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) and is overseen by the State Department.

Admit it, owning an authentic U.S Air Force F-16 is pretty badass by any standards!