What would we do now if the Wright brothers did not come up with a plane? Traveling would cease to be so affordable, and travel time would increase many times over. At the moment, most people perceive flying on an aircraft as something ordinary and familiar, despite the tightness in the cabin and the limitation of the weight of luggage. But in one percent of the population, flights cause completely different associations. Billionaires travel comfortably on their own aircraft worth several million dollars.
The military also flies on expensive aircraft, but they spend millions not on luxury, but on practicality, safety and technology. It doesn’t matter for what purpose the aircraft is used - a cargo ship, a troop transfer, a bomber or a transport ship. They are united by only one thing - high cost. In this article you will learn about the most expensive aircraft in the world. And we will start from the last place.
10. "Boeing 747"
He is owned by the Hong Kong billionaire Joseph Lau. The cost of this aircraft is about $ 153 million. The salon has an exclusive design with the latest technology. In other words, Joseph travels with comfort and luxury. There is also a spiral staircase, video displays on the walls and vaulted ceilings. There are 467 seats in the usual Boeing, but much less passengers are accommodated in the Lau aircraft due to the exclusive design.
9. "Boeing 747-400 Custom"
This aircraft occupies the ninth place of the “Most expensive aircraft in the world” top. Its price is $ 200 million. In 2003, this Boeing was commissioned by the Saudi prince Al Talal. The salon is equipped with two luxurious bedrooms, a dining room for 14 people and even a throne, which is located in the middle of the plane. Serving 11 busy flight attendants.
8. E-2D
This military aircraft was developed by Grumman Aircraft. The US Air Force replaced it with the E-1 Tracer aircraft. The cost of the aircraft is $ 232 million. E-2D is equipped with turbo engines, advanced radar, satellite communications and electronic scanning systems. The latter allow monitoring and reconnaissance in any weather. The aircraft also has the “Cooperative Engagement Capability” system installed, which allows controlling cruise missiles on the ground.
7. "Boeing 747-430 Custom"
Seventh place of the top “Most expensive aircraft in the world” goes to this aircraft belonging to the Sultan of Brunei. He acquired it for $ 100 million. Another 133 million was spent on the design of the interior and decor using gold. Both the bathroom, the bedroom, and the living room are finished with Laliquie crystals and gold details. The washbasin is completely cast in pure gold. The Sultan has two more aircraft, but this one is the largest.
6. P-8A Poseidon
It was built by Boeing Defense by order of the US Air Force. Of course, this is not the most expensive aircraft in the world, its current cost reaches $ 290 million. In fact, the P-8A is a modification of the ERX 737-800. It’s just that engineers added anti-submarine weapons and a counteraction system to the P-8A. At the moment, "Poseidon" is considered the best defensive aircraft on the planet. On board, he carries the harpoon anti-submarine system, cruise missiles, deep-sea bombs, torpedoes and much more.
5. C-17A Globmaster
Fifth place on the top “Most Expensive Aircraft in the World” is at the C-17A aircraft designed for the US Air Force. The price of the aircraft today is $ 328 million. The main mission of the Globmaster is tactical and strategic missions, transportation of military goods and troops, evacuation of the wounded. Now the United States has about 200 such aircraft.
4. F-22 "Raptor"
This single-seat twin-engine vessel for good reason belongs to the category "The most expensive aircraft in the world." After all, its technical characteristics allow you to perform combat missions absolutely in any weather. The ship's production was stopped in 2012. The main reasons are the export ban and the high cost ($ 350 million). F-22 is able to block enemy missiles, develop supersonic speed, be invisible to radars, etc.
3. "Airbus A 340-400 Custom"
This aircraft belongs to the category "The most expensive private planes in the world" and takes the third place of our top. It belongs to Alisher Usmanov, who created it in honor of his father. And 340-400 is the largest aircraft in Russia. Its dimensions exceed the parameters of the presidential liner. The initial cost of Airbus is $ 238 million, but after modernization and improvement of its technical characteristics, as well as a luxurious interior, the price ranges from $ 350 to $ 500 million.
2. "Airbus A 380 Custom"
This aircraft belongs to the Saudi prince Al Talal already mentioned above. The A 380 has everything from a garage, a stable and a room for hawks to many bathrooms, bedrooms and even a wellness center. Airbus Custom is considered the largest passenger ship on the planet, despite the fact that most passenger seats were dismantled for the sake of luxury design. This was the second place in the top “Most expensive aircraft in the world”. The price of A 380 is $ 500 million. And finally, the leader of the rating ...
1. B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber
This is the most expensive military aircraft in the world. At the moment, it costs $ 2.1 billion. Due to the high price, the U.S. Congress had to cut its order from 132 to 21 in 1987.
After the crash of 2008, only 20 aircraft remained in service with the US Air Force. The B-2 is equipped with stealth technology that allows you to bypass any enemy defense system. Of the weapons on it, 16 nuclear bombs and about 80 missiles were installed. This aircraft was involved in military missions in Afghanistan and Iraq.
