Aircraft is one of the most unique and versatile vehicles. A centuries-old history, coupled with technological progress, allowed not only to improve ships, but also to add chic to them. Today, this equipment performs many tasks, ranging from military-strategic to the civilian sector.
Hundreds of millions of dollars are spent on the production of aircraft, as well as on their maintenance. But there is a separate caste of technology, which is also distinguished by an innovative technical part, and can strike the imagination with luxurious finishes, salons and other entourage associated with the status.
The most expensive private planes are bought by oligarchs, rulers and other powerful people of this world. Owning such a vessel underlines the status of the owner. In addition, this is a good investment of available funds. The most expensive military aircraft can afford developed and, of course, far from poor countries. The advanced technical part helps to solve specific problems, or, conversely, turn the vehicle into a universal tool for everything and everything.
So, let's try to figure out which plane is the most expensive, where it lives and what, in fact, it can boast of. For a more visual picture, the list will be presented in the form of a rating. All the models described below function, fly and delight their owners. Prices are taken from subject magazines.
It should also be noted that it was the “fundamental” equipment of the vessel that was taken into account in the cost calculation. That is, what is established there, what is called, tightly. Because some businessmen are cunning in order to get into venerable ratings and “equip” their planes with paintings by Pablo Picasso, Paul Cezanne and other values, which at times increases the theoretical cost of the board.
The top 10 most expensive aircraft are as follows:
- B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber.
- "Airbus A380 Custom."
- "Airbus A340-300 Custom."
- "F-22 Raptor."
- "C-17A Globmaster 3".
- "P-8A Poseidon."
- "Boeing 747-430 Custom."
- "E-2D Advanced Haukey".
- "Boeing 747-400 Custom."
- Boeing 747-8 VIP.
Consider the participants in more detail.
Boeing 747-8 VIP
One of the most expensive aircraft (photo below) received a more popular name - Dreamliner, or, in Russian, “Dream Liner”. Its lucky owner was celestial billionaire Joseph Lau. In addition to the luxury inside the cabin, the model boasts the longest body.
In its basic version, on board it was safe to accommodate up to one and a half thousand people. But after design improvements, the ship turned into a real premium hotel and one of the most expensive private jets in the world.
The cost of the liner is about $ 200 million.
Boeing 747-400 Custom
Another private and most expensive aircraft, the owner of which is a prince from wealthy Saudi Arabia. It was bought back in 2003 and was modernized properly, turning it into an item of luxury and pride.
On board you can see luxurious bedrooms, living rooms, bars, a swimming pool and other delights of VIP realities. The ship is intended for 14 important persons, not counting the “nook” for the guards.
The cost of the aircraft is about $ 230 million.
E-2D Advanced Hawkeye
This is a rather unusual deck vessel, armed with the US military, that does not prevent it from being one of the most expensive aircraft. This is a significantly improved modification of the previous generation E-2, which was so successful that the defense industry decided to revive the series in a new form.
The aircraft is literally packed to the brim with all kinds of equipment and military systems. Here, and its own satellite, and an advanced electronic scanning module, turbo engines, powerful radar and some weapons are also available.
The ship is aimed at performing a wide variety of tasks, and even the most terrible weather conditions are not a hindrance to it. The board looks, maybe not as attractive as the other participants in the rating, but it knows its business.
The cost of the aircraft is about 235 million dollars.
Boeing 747-430 Custom
This is a more technically advanced modification than the aforementioned four hundredth and, of course, the liner is one of the most expensive aircraft. The model bought the sultan, who lives on the island of Borneo, for $ 100 million, but after the designers and engineers worked on the vessel, it rose sharply in price.
The main amount was spent on luxurious chambers and interior elements made of precious metals. For example, ordinary washbasins in an airplane are made of high-grade gold. The owner turned the ship into a real flying premium mansion.
The cost of the liner is about 237 million dollars.
P-8A Poseidon
"Poseidon" is in service with the US Army and serves as a reconnaissance aircraft. Its main task is the bearing of enemy submarines and their subsequent destruction. In addition, vehicles are also used as anti-ship interceptor and rescue vessel.
One of the most expensive aircraft was also adopted by the United Kingdom, India and Australia, but the bulk of the vessels (46 in total) are located in the USA.
The cost of the aircraft is about $ 250 million.
"C-17A Globmaster 3"
This Boeing pride is not only the largest, but also the most expensive vehicle. At the end of 2015, exactly 270 units were produced, after which the production of the series ceased. The vessel is intended for transportation of oversized cargo, starting from the aircraft themselves and ending with other military equipment like artillery, tanks, etc.
As in the previous case, the Americans sold several copies for export to the UK, Canada and the United Arab Emirates, but the bulk of the equipment is based at US military airports. The ship is voracious enough, so one trip costs as much as launching three passenger liners.
The cost of the aircraft is about $ 330 million.
F-22 Raptor
In addition to the fact that the Raptor is an expensive fighter, it has been recognized more than once by experts in this field as the best aircraft in the world. Multipurpose aircraft are in service with the US Army.
The last, fifth generation of fighters has exceptional technical characteristics that only our MIGs can compete with. Yes, the aircraft is considered the best in its class, but too gluttonous, so its tactical combat distance is noticeably shorter than that of its counterparts.
The cost of the fighter is about 350 million dollars.
Airbus A340-300 Custom
This plane belongs to businessman Alisher Asmanov and bears the name "Burkhan" in honor of the father of the owner. The vessel in its basic modification was in sixth place, but after costly renovations it rose to third.
The aircraft initially accommodated 400 passengers, but after processing on board it can take no more than 100, but how! Expensive decoration, golden elements of the interior, furniture inlaid with precious stones, even light bulbs with lamps, and those are made of precious metals.
The cost of the liner is about $ 500 million.
Airbus A380 Custom
This is one of the largest and at the same time expensive aircraft of our time. Owned by a prince from Saudi Arabia al-Walid ibn Talal. Its length is almost 80 meters and its height is 25, which is very, very much for a private ship.
In its basic modification, the board was ready to accept up to 1000 passengers, then after designers and engineers worked on it - no more than 50 people. In fact, this is a real house with wings and there is everything from a garage with a stable to a huge swimming pool with luxurious bedrooms.
The cost of the model is about $ 500 million.
B-2 Stealth Bomber Spirit
The top of the ranking is the American multi-purpose bomber. This is the most expensive aircraft in the world, and it came off from the others for a very significant amount. Experts estimate the Spirit series at $ 2.1 billion. The aircraft is a multifunctional tactical bomber capable of performing a variety of tasks.
The model was developed by Northrop Grumman, behind which a solid experience in the construction of not only military, but also civilian ships. After the development of the project, the Pentagon planned to order more than a hundred units of similar equipment, but due to its high cost, it was decided to stop at two dozen.
The uniqueness and versatility of the aircraft lies in its rich equipment. On board, you can install almost any type of armament of various calibers, from machine guns to nuclear warheads. In addition, the ship has an advanced stealth system that helps him avoid enemy defense systems.
The cost of the ship is about $ 2.1 billion.