The most expensive planes in the world. The most expensive plane in the world The most expensive private plane
Producing weapons is a profitable business: no matter what price greedy gunsmiths set, governments pay generously. Especially when it comes to aviation, which Western powers love to fight with.
Thus, the USA overpaid almost a billion for newest aircraft F-35 Lightning II. Lockheed Martin recently confronted the Pentagon with the fact that the contract price would increase by $800 million.
However, this is not so expensive for the Yankees: M PORT found several combat aircraft that cost America no less.
$94 MILLION - F/A-18 HORNET
A twin-engine, strike fighter of the US Air Force, which was born in the distant 80s. He was the first among his American brothers to cross a fighter and an attack aircraft, being able to hit both ground and air targets. He received his baptism of fire during Operation Desert Storm. It is in service with Canada, Australia, Finland, Kuwait, Malaysia, Spain and Switzerland.
$102 MILLION - EA-18G GROWLER
Version of the previous aircraft: fewer weapons, but a lot of effective electronic jamming equipment. Growler is designed for fleet needs. It can jam enemy radars and interfere with enemy electronic communications.
Source: defense.gov
$118 MILLION - V-22 OSPREY
This is a vertical take-off transport aircraft. It is called a tiltrotor and combines the advantages of an airplane and a helicopter. From the first he took speed, from the second - freedom of maneuver, landing people and equipment in the most inconvenient places. However, the originality of the idea required sacrifices: about 30 people died during the Osprey tests.
Source: defense.gov
$122 MILLION - F-35 LIGHTNING II
Lockheed Martin won the most lucrative military contract in world history - we already mentioned it at the beginning of the rating. Of course: after all, this F-35 is a fifth-generation supersonic fighter-bomber.
And yet, at the flight testing stage, the last word of NATO aircraft was criticized for its overweight and poor engine thrust. And in 2008, hackers cracked the aircraft's electronic control codes.
After these troubles, Lockheed Martin no longer believed that the contract could be fulfilled. But the Pentagon had nowhere to go - and the Molniya is already preparing to become a production aircraft.
Source: defense.gov
$232 MILLION - E-2D ADVANCED HAWKEYE
Vigilant observation and reconnaissance aircraft. The latest modification of the radar has increased the viewing area by 300% compared to other reconnaissance aircraft. “If necessary, he will hear Ayatollah Khomeini shelling pistachios,” joked one of the US weapons experts.
So far, only two E-2Ds are flying, which have been transferred to the American fleet.
Source: defense.gov
$241 MILLION - VH-71 KESTREL
The future flagship of the presidential helicopter fleet has already burned through a lot of money. The project, launched under Bush Jr., exceeded its budget by 50% with the advent of Obama. It was decided to reduce costs, but the helicopter still spent an extra half a billion dollars.
Source: defense.gov
$290 MILLION - P-8A POSEIDON
A military version of the Boeing 747, intended to accompany anti-submarine ships and conduct maritime reconnaissance. It carries on board torpedoes, missiles, depth charges and other capabilities to kill fish with impunity. Enters service in 2013.
In the era of capitalism, when almost all borders between countries in the world have been erased, it is simply impossible to do without such a means of transportation as an airplane. It not only simplifies people’s lives, allowing them to cross distances of tens or even hundreds of kilometers in a matter of hours, but is also an integral part of the air military forces of many states. Flight to aircraft not only reduces the time it takes to cover a certain distance, but also allows you to do it comfortably. The cost of aircraft and travel on it is much higher than other types of transport. The most expensive private jet in the world costs over $500 million.
Top 10 most expensive aircraft in the world
The top ten most expensive aircraft from around the world are aircraft whose cost ranges from $100 million to $2 billion. True, the most expensive aircraft in the world is not passenger airliner, and a military aircraft. Many aircraft connoisseurs are interested in how much the most expensive one costs. aircraft. The cost of airliners is influenced not only by their market price, but also by the decoration of the cabins and technical equipment. The most expensive planes in the world belong to well-known multi-billionaires and public figures who can afford to have their own comfortable aircraft or even several in their fleet.
10th place
Gulfstream V.
The liner, owned by the famous actor Jim Carrey, is valued at $59 million. The actor acquired a personal airliner for business trips in comfortable conditions and with all possible amenities. The Gulf Stream is rightfully one of the fastest aircraft of this class. Its cabin is designed for only 16 passengers, but before the transformation of this aircraft into a comfortable aviation vehicle, its board could accommodate up to a couple of hundred people. There are only 191 aircraft of this model worldwide.
9th place
Boeing 757.
The cost of this airliner, which has taken pride of place in the world ranking of the most expensive airliners, is $100 million. The owner of this aircraft is the current US President and famous billionaire – Donald Trump. On board the airliner there is a printed in capital letters the owner's surname, so when you see this ship, you will never confuse it with another plane. There is information that this aircraft was previously in the possession of the co-founder of the famous global company Microsoft, Paul Allen, from whom Donald Trump actually bought this aircraft.
The cabin of this top-rated airliner offers real luxury and comfort. Passenger seats are equipped with seat belts with gold-plated buckles, and the onboard bathroom sinks and taps are also made of pure gold. There is also a huge home theater with a 52-inch diagonal plasma screen, two bedrooms for rest and sleep for tired passengers. The Boeing 757 can easily accommodate 23 passengers and no one will be constrained in terms of convenience and comfort, although in fact this aircraft model can easily accommodate several hundred people.
8th place
Boeing 757-8I VIP.
An honorable place in the ranking was taken by the plane owned by one of the richest businessmen in the world, Asian Joseph Lau. Boeing 757 is one of the most popular models aircraft among multibillionaires. They don’t mind spending a hundred or two million conventional units to get a personal plane. The cost of Joseph Lau's liner is over 150 million. On board the aircraft there is:
- beautiful designer spiral staircases;
- home cinema;
- conference hall;
- video monitors;
- vaulted ceilings;
- gym;
- a wine cellar with a huge collection of more than 10 thousand bottles of different wines;
- portrait of Mao Zedong, which is valued at $17.5 million.
The main highlight of this Boeing model is that it is two-story, due to which the area on which you can create a real palace increases several times, worthy of attention and a place of honor in the ranking of the most expensive private aircraft in the world.
7th place
Boeing 747.
The seventh place in the ranking is occupied by the Boeing 747, which belongs to Mswati the Third, the king of Swaziland. This aircraft is valued at $170 million and was purchased by the king, largely using funds from the state treasury, in 2002, at a time when Swaziland was in strong economic crisis, and the average population of the kingdom had to survive on two dollars a day. This acquisition of the king provoked a wave of protests among the population and almost led to a revolution.
6th place
Boeing 747-400.
The owner of this expensive Boeing is the Prince of Saudi Arabia, Al-Walid bin Talal, who has another, more expensive airliner in his arsenal. As conceived by the engineers, this aircraft was intended to carry 4 hundred passengers, but it was converted into a real luxurious and magnificent airliner with all the amenities. The following were safely accommodated in the cabin of this aircraft:
- two bedrooms;
- bathrooms;
- dinner table;
- work zone;
- places for recreation, etc.
The cost of this luxury aircraft is, by today's standards, 220 million US dollars.
5th place
Boeing 747-430.
This liner was purchased for 100 million US dollars, after which another 133 million cu were invested in its interior decoration, which in total exceeded 230 million. There are rumors that the owner has invested a lot more money in his Boeing 747-430 and now its value is about 1 billion dollars. Whether this is true or not, no one knows for sure.
But for the owner of this plane, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei, whose savings amount to about 40 billion US dollars, this is not much money, so he can afford to fly in comfort and luxury. There are also two more airliners in its fleet, one of which is an Airbus 340. The cabin of the Boeing 747-430 has a very comfortable bathroom, bedroom, and living room, decorated with gilded elements. The interior design is strictly oriental in style. The salon is decorated with handmade carpets and sanitary ware made of pure gold, and the rooms are decorated with Lalique crystals.
4th place
Airbus A340-300.
The price of this aircraft is $350 million. This airliner belongs to one of the top ten expensive planes Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov, who, according to the ratings of the famous Forbes magazine for 2016, took an honorable third place among the richest citizens of Russia.
Alisher invested the funds not only in the purchase of the aircraft, creating comfort and luxurious conditions in the cabin, but also in tuning the board, on which the inscription “Burkhan” is emblazoned. This is the name of the businessman's father. But in honor of his mother, Usmanov acquired a yacht worth 100 million, with her name written on board - Dilbar. In this unusual way, the billionaire entrepreneur pays respect to his parents, who gave birth to and raised him.
The Airbus a340-300 was produced in Switzerland back in 2008, and the vessel was registered on the Isle of Man, hence official name airliner - "M-IABU". Alisher invested more than a hundred million in the decoration of his aircraft, but it’s worth it.
3rd place
Boeing 747-200B.
One of the most expensive aircraft in the world belongs to the former President of the United States of America, George Bush. The cost of the aircraft reaches 375 million dollars. On board the liner there is a luxurious, sophisticated, expensive interior, as well as the latest technical equipment in the form of missile defense, electromagnetic protection for defense in the event of a nuclear attack and means for combating radio electronics. This aircraft also entered the top ten most large aircraft peace. Due to its size, not every airport can accept this vessel. Without refueling, the aircraft can cover a distance of more than 12.5 thousand kilometers.
2nd place
Boeing 767.
The owner of this expensive luxury airliner, which costs about $500 million, is the world famous multi-billionaire owner of Chelsea FC, Roman Abramovich. It has two aircraft in its fleet, but this one is rightfully the best. The second is an Airbus 340.
The interior of the Boeing 767 is decorated with expensive varieties of mahogany and ebony. Most decorative elements in the interior are made of gold of the highest standard. The Boeing cabin has a dining table for 30 people, a bedroom, a bathroom, and an area for relaxation and negotiations.
The airliner is also equipped with an anti-missile system. The outside of the board is decorated with an original design, which is why this aircraft was nicknamed “Bandit.”
1 place
Airbus A380 Custom.
The Airbus A380, which is the most expensive private airliner in the world, takes pride of place. Its price is slightly more than $500 million, and it belongs to Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal of Saudi Arabia, discussed above. This luxurious double-deck liner is famous for its most expensive decorations, which are worthy of a member of the royal family. Inside there is:
- five bedrooms with bathrooms;
- 20 cabins for the prince's guests;
- dining room for 14 people;
- a meeting room with holographic monitors;
- area for health and spa treatments;
- a garage for the Prince's car park;
- sauna with hot tub;
- hamam (Turkish bath);
- concert hall;
- dance floor;
- gym with exercise equipment;
- hawk room;
- a special room for prayer with rugs directed towards Mecca (they change their direction in accordance with the aircraft's course from the airliner's computer positioning systems);
- stables and much more.
The plane also has a specially equipped room with many monitors that display the terrain over which the aircraft is flying at a particular moment. The height of the aircraft is 25 meters, and the length of this aircraft is slightly more than 72 meters. There are only 195 aircraft of this model in the world, and only one of them rightfully tops the ranking of the most expensive aircraft in the world.
The most expensive plane in the world
Above is a rating of the most expensive private airliners in the world, but if you make a rating based on the cost of aircraft, without sorting them into passenger and military, then the Top most expensive aircraft will be the B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber, which costs $2.2 billion. Not only is luxurious decoration an important component of the price of an aircraft, but also its technical equipment and capabilities. Initially, it was planned to produce 132 units of such bombers, but then at a meeting of the US Congress it was decided to reduce the batch to 21 units. In 2008, one such military airliner crashed in a plane crash, as a result of which the military aviation fleet was reduced by one unit of this aircraft model.
This model of military aircraft is equipped with:
- stealth technologies that allow you to easily maneuver and bypass any enemy defensive systems;
- conventional and nuclear weapons (80 units of homing missiles and 16 units of nuclear bombs).
The B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber took part in air combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Back in 1997, its cost was only 737 million US dollars, and the full package of technical and combat equipment was estimated at 929 million conventional units. And today this model of combat airliner is the most expensive aircraft.
The most beautiful airliner in the world
The concept of beauty is quite subjective, but there are generally accepted rules and criteria (successful or unsuccessful combination of colors in the livery, the presence of the golden ratio, the originality of the design, the font in which the inscription with the name of the airline is written, etc.), by which one can judge the beauty of aircraft and create a conditional rating of the most beautiful of them.
The originality of design and avant-garde design on board the aircraft (livery) may not always be to the taste of passengers. Most often, it is the restrained, harmonious design styles of airliners that appeal to them, so a flashy, bright design cannot always guarantee success with passengers.
The most attractive in terms of external design are the aircraft of British Airways and AirFrance. A laconic design style using exclusively national colors and a minimum of decorative elements gives the appearance of the airliners of these two air carriers special attractiveness and elegance.
We should also highlight the aircraft with a pleasant and sophisticated design from the SkyTeam alliance. The side is silver in color with a rich blue keel with the alliance emblem - all this is brilliantly simple and very beautiful. The Swiss company is not inferior in the attractiveness of the external design of the aircraft, but judging by the bright and unobtrusive design of the airliners, there are no equals to the aircraft of the air carrier Air Malta, one of which is shown in the photo.
If we are talking about the beauty of an airliner’s interior, then when looking at photos of the most expensive aircraft, we can conclude that each of them is distinguished by its special elegance and luxury, but here, too, everything is purely subjective. Some people like flashy and pompous design, while others like simple and comfortable minimalism and restraint in the interior style.
How much does the cheapest plane cost?
Today, the smallest and cheapest aircraft is the FlyNano, which weighs only 70 kg, and the length of the miniature airliner is 3 m 80 cm with a wing length of 4 m 80 cm. You can purchase this airliner for only 25 thousand euros. Despite the aircraft's weight being too small, the pilot's weight can reach 130 kilograms.
The maximum height that this invention of technology can reach is 3 thousand meters. The model is available with a gasoline or electric motor. In the first version, the mini-plane can cover a distance of about 70 kilometers without refueling, but in the second version it is almost half as much - only 40 km.
The designer of this miracle of modern aviation is Finnish engineer Aki Suokas, who worked on the project for more than 10 years. Most recently, his brainchild was presented at an air show held in Germany. And, to put it mildly, this airliner created a real sensation among visitors, thanks to which the Finnish aircraft designer received a lot of orders for the production of miniature aircraft.
Everyone knows that an airplane is not a cheap thing, but the examples presented in today’s top list are simply prohibitively expensive. Only some countries, not to mention ordinary people, can afford such aircraft. So, what are the most expensive planes in the world today?
B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber – $2,100,000,000
This strategic bomber was developed and first released in the United States in 1946. His whole appearance says so - the future has come. The “flying wing,” as it is popularly called, is distinguished by unsurpassed aerodynamic characteristics and the ability to effectively hide from ground-based radars.
Maintenance of the aircraft also costs the state considerable sums. The B-2 Spirit requires a special room - a hangar with an ideal climate for it. The device reacts negatively to sunlight, which disrupts the radio-absorbing layer on the body. Around the world, only a few air bases can provide adequate conditions for this aircraft.
Airbus A380 – $500,000,000
This aircraft has the title of the largest passenger plane and was created as a competitor to the devices of the global giant Boeing. The liner has been developed and improved for more than 10 years. Today, the aircraft accommodates more than 850 passengers, there are sections for business and economy class, and there are also places intended for showers, a library, bars - all this is organized at the request of the customer company.
To save on pilot training, their cockpit was made almost identical to others located in similar aircraft. The cockpit is equipped with nine LCD monitors, detailing all the information needed for a successful flight. The crew consists of 27 people, including pilots and stewards, but for long flights a couple more pilots are added.
Airbus A340 – from $350,000,000
Apart from price, aircraft of this family have several other common features. They have four engines, a wide fuselage, and are 63 meters long. The family actively uses innovations in the field of aircraft construction - to keep fuel consumption to a minimum, aerodynamic properties have been worked out to the smallest detail. A digital control system has been introduced, and modern composite materials are used for the housing.
In turn, due to low fuel consumption, aircraft are very environmentally friendly, and they also produce very little noise and harmful emissions. Despite the presence of four engines, the cabin of each aircraft is quiet, this factor is important for long flights. The number of passenger seats can reach up to 440, and there is also a spacious cargo compartment.
F-22 Raptor – $350,000,000
This ship confidently proved the leadership of the United States in the development of military aircraft. It is not without reason that it is called the “aircraft of the 21st century” - the latest developments are used in technology. The F-22 Raptor features low radar signature, faster-than-sound speed, and excellent maneuverability.
The functionality of the aircraft is impressive. The aircraft can engage targets from all angles and is equipped with advanced electronics and a 360-degree information system. Alloys of aluminum and titanium were used to create the body - composite materials can significantly reduce weight, which means making the aircraft more maneuverable and less noticeable to radar devices.
C-17A Globemaster III – $328,000,000
This American aircraft first took off in 1991. But, even despite its age of more than two decades, the development is still in demand and is included in the military aviation fleet of many countries - the USA, Canada, Australia, the United Arab Emirates, etc. One of the important advantages of the model is its excellent carrying capacity and spaciousness, thanks to which it and is included in the list of the most expensive aircraft in the world.
One C-17 can carry, for example, three Apache helicopters or one Chinook, as well as any ground transport, including tanks and jeeps. In addition, more than 100 people can be accommodated on board. Another advantage of the model is that it is quite short ( less than a kilometer) runway, which allows you to take off as quickly as possible.
R-8A Poseidon – $290,000,000
This aircraft from Boeing has an on-board radar and reconnaissance system. It is capable of making a cartographic assessment of the area, independently recognizing even stationary objects, and also searching for submarines under water. As for the power component, the R-8A has two reliable engines - the likelihood of their failure is close to zero.
The aircraft reaches enormous speeds - up to 930 km/h, and when patrolling over the sea - 330 km/h at an altitude of 60 meters. Its internal compartment accommodates both conventional bombs and depth bombs or torpedoes. And underwing pylons are necessary for anti-ship missiles. Poseidon's protection is also well organized - there is EWSP, the so-called electronic countermeasures system, as well as interference control systems.
Boeing 747-430 Custom – $233,000,000
This passenger aircraft is the most successful of the 747 series. Compared to the previous version, the 747-300, it has more rounded wing tips, a glass cabin and improved engines. In 1989, a plane without passengers set a record in its category - it flew 18 thousand kilometers in 20 hours.
The Boeing 747-430 is superior to its analogues in the following parameters: speed, payload capacity, payback load level. However, it loses in terms of fuel consumption, maintenance costs and flight costs. Over the entire history of the production of models of this series, there have been about 20 plane crashes (in some cases there was a human factor). In 2007, the model was officially discontinued.
E-2D Advanced Hawkeye – $232,000,000
This aircraft was developed in the USA for reconnaissance purposes back in 1960. It provides the best detection of objects at a distance of up to 540 kilometers (half that for cruise missiles). The aircraft can also monitor targets on the water, after which it can quickly transmit information to the operations center on the main aircraft carrier, and patrol assets will also receive it at the same time.
The E-2 serves as a command post, designed to control the process of targeting fighters to an object, warn in advance of the appearance of enemy aircraft in the visual zone, and also control accompanying fighters. On this moment The US has about 140 of these aircraft.
Boeing 747-400 Custom – $200,000,000
This passenger liner was launched in 1969 and accommodates about 580 passengers. On the upper deck there is business class, designed for 44 people. The chairs in it can turn into comfortable beds. The menu includes a wide range of food and drinks, and to make the flight not boring, a multimedia entertainment system is provided.
As for the economy class, located on the lower deck, it is also quite comfortable for the flight - the seats are soft, located at an impressive distance from each other. In general, the airliner is very popular among passengers and provides them with all the necessary conditions for a comfortable flight. People also call it “Eggplant” because of the characteristic humpback shape of the upper deck.
Boeing 747–8 VIP – $153,000,000
True to its name, this aircraft is designed for VIPs - it is as comfortable as possible and is luxurious even in the details. Four powerful engines allow you to travel up to 14 thousand kilometers without transfers. Inside there is a sitting area, a dining room, and every detail of the interior is designed by professional designers and made of expensive materials.
On board you can even find a luxurious bedroom with a large soft bed. For people who cannot tear themselves away from work even on the road, there is a conference room and an office. You can chat with friends and colleagues in the bright, spacious living room.
The listed aircraft amaze not only with their price, but also rich history, enveloping them. It is difficult to imagine that humanity was able to invent, make and lift these giants into the air. Nevertheless, it is true. No matter what purpose this or that aircraft was intended for, their names are resounding throughout the world today.
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The most expensive planes in the world attract the attention of a huge number of people. After all, they are powerful, beautiful and bright. Experts are now highlighting both civilian and military versions of the vehicles, which are valued at a huge amount of money, but at the same time they really justify such an investment.
Experts analyzed the options presented in the sky and identified the ten most expensive and beautiful celestial machines. Each of them is unique and has a certain set of characteristics, for which, in fact, a lot of money is paid.
Boeing 747-8
This airliner is in 10th place in the TOP rating. It costs 153 million dollars. This version of the flying airliner is owned by Hong Kong billionaire Joseph Lau. Today it is often called by its middle name – Dreamliner. This liner is distinguished by its design in an exclusive style and adherence to the latest technologies, i.e. it is literally equipped with the latest technology. Traveling on this one is comfortable and luxurious. The ceilings in such an aircraft are vaulted, there are video displays on the walls that can broadcast anything depending on the wishes of the passengers on board. The number of seats has been reduced from the standard 467, because... this is a private airliner not designed for transportation large quantity of people.
The Prince of Saudi Arabia ordered himself a special model of such an airliner. The aircraft is distinguished by the presence of two luxurious bedrooms and a dining room, which can comfortably accommodate up to 14 people. Since the plane is truly royal, there is even a throne installed in it for the owner of the airliner. The cost of such a castle in the air is $200 million.
E-2D Advanced Hawkeye
A military representative joins the list of the most notable and enviable aircraft. This aircraft, although specialized, is often called unusual. It is used by the American Navy and was made to replace another military aircraft - the E-1 Tracer. The airship has:
- Perfect radar brand ARU-9
- Modern radio equipment
- A perfect and new system designed to provide communication and more correct navigation
- Powerful turbo engines
- A system designed to scan electronically, due to which it can carry out even complex tasks in the field of monitoring and reconnaissance, and they can be carried out in conditions that are not at all conducive to this
- Control system from an aircraft for various cruise missiles located on the ground
This example of military engineering is estimated by experts at $232 million.
Boeing 747-430 Custom
The cost of such a liner is $233 million. It belongs to another royal person - the Sultan of Brunei. Moreover, he purchased this plane for 100 million. But today this airliner is equipped with everything necessary for a luxurious and comfortable flight, so its cost has increased by 1.5 times.
The interior of such an aircraft is exquisite, and gold is often used in decoration. pure form. For example, a bathroom sink is made from it. On board such a dream plane are placed:
- Living room
- Full bedroom
- Bathroom
The Sultan owns three airliners, but this one is the largest in terms of its parameters.
P-8A Poseidon
Such a liner, located in 6th place in the rating, is called elegant. Moreover, it was not manufactured for civilian needs, but for military purposes. The liner was made specifically for the American Navy. Essentially, this airliner is a modified version of the 737-800 ERX aircraft. Among its advantages are the equipment with weapons designed to counteract boats and the presence of a countermeasures system. Because of this, it becomes one of the best available defense aircraft on the entire planet.
This liner is designed to carry:
- various types of torpedoes
- a large number of bombs operating deep underwater
- various missiles
- Anti-boat systems, etc.
As a rule, such a liner works in tandem with a reconnaissance aircraft. It is valued at $290 million.
C-17A Globemaster III
The plane, priced at $328 million, was manufactured by specialists from the aviation giant Boeing. At the same time, it is also designed to serve the military forces. Today the airliner is called one of the largest options available to the military. It is designed to solve various strategy missions and solve tactical problems. It can easily transport both cargo and entire military units. Such an aircraft is also designed to evacuate the wounded. The US military operates 180-210 of these winged fighters in its fleet.
F-22 Raptor
Another example of expensive engineering service paid by the army. Such a liner is estimated at $350 million. Today it is called one of the best specialized options. This model is widely used by Americans. Its undoubted advantage is the fact that it can perform various combat missions in any weather. This airliner can:
- Shoot down enemy missiles
- Apply supersonic speed for long distance flights
- Become invisible to various radars
The production of such models was stopped in 2012 due to its excessively high cost. But at the same time, today there are more than 150 machines in service that successfully cope with their tasks.
This airliner belongs to Russian businessman Usmanov. It was custom-made and dedicated to the entrepreneur’s father. The cost of such a commemorative liner is 350-500 million dollars. Its initial cost was a little less, but after all the modernizations carried out, it became truly priceless. The car has a luxurious interior and everything necessary for the most comfortable flight. Moreover, according to its technical parameters, it can rise quite high height and cover long distances.
Airbus A380 Custom
The price of such an aircraft is 500 million dollars. It is the largest among private ones. This winged giant belongs to the prince of Saudi Arabia. There is literally everything here - in essence, such a liner can safely be called a real home in the sky. On board were:
- Garage for 2 cars
- Rooms for birds (in this case hawks) of an airship owner
- Stables
- A huge number of bedrooms
- Bathrooms with large showers
- An entire wellness center
A liner with two decks, which gave unlimited scope to the designers' imagination. They removed most of the seats to convert this type of aircraft.
B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber
The aircraft, which is in the US Air Force fleet, is valued at $2.1 billion. It is the most expensive aircraft in the whole world. Today there are only 20 such variants in the military fleet. Essentially, this is a bomber for strategic purposes, with stealth technology. Due to this, he is able to:
- Bypass various defensive systems that the enemy has
- Have both conventional and nuclear weapons (experts estimate that it could have up to 80 homing guns and 16 nuclear bombs)
There is a version that it even has special seats in which pilots can quickly get some sleep. This helps them recover between battles and flights, maintaining the combat effectiveness of their personnel longer.
An airplane is one of the most unique and versatile vehicles. Centuries-old history, coupled with technical progress, has made it possible not only to improve the 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 equipment, which is distinguished by its innovative technical part, and can amaze the imagination with luxurious finishes, interiors and other surroundings that accompany the status.
The most expensive private jets are bought by oligarchs, rulers and other powerful people. Owning such a vessel emphasizes the status of the owner. In addition, this is a good investment of free funds. The most expensive military aircraft can be afforded by developed and, naturally, far from poor states. The advanced technical part helps to solve specific problems, or, conversely, turn the vehicle into a universal tool for anything 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 thematic magazines.
It should also be noted that the “indigenous” equipment of the vessel was taken into account when calculating the cost. That is, what is installed there is, as they say, firmly installed. 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 valuables, which significantly 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 Globemaster 3."
- "R-8A Poseidon".
- "Boeing 747-430 Custom."
- "E-2D Advanced Hawkey".
- "Boeing 747-400 Custom."
- "Boeing 747-8 VIP."
Let's take a closer look at the participants.
"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 a billionaire from the Middle Kingdom, Joseph Lau. In addition to the luxury inside the cabin, the model boasts the longest body.
In its basic version, up to one and a half thousand people could easily be accommodated on board. But after design modifications, 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 dollars.
"Boeing 747-400 Custom"
Another private and most expensive plane, the owner of which is a prince from wealthy Saudi Arabia. It was bought back in 2003 and thoroughly modernized, 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 designed for 14 VIPs, not counting the “cuddle” for security guards.
The cost of the aircraft is about 230 million dollars.
E-2D Advanced Hawkeye
This is a rather unusual deck vessel in service with the US military, which 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 plane is literally stuffed to the brim with all sorts of equipment and military systems. It has its own satellite, an advanced electronic scanning module, turbo engines, a powerful radar and some weapons.
The vessel is designed to perform a wide variety of tasks, even the most terrible weather no problem for him. The board may not look as attractive as 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, naturally, the airliner is one of the most expensive aircraft. The model was bought by the Sultan living on the island of Borneo for $100 million, but after designers and engineers worked on the ship, its price increased sharply.
The main amount was spent on luxurious chambers and interior elements made of precious metals. For example, ordinary washbasins on an airplane are made of high-carat gold. The owner turned the ship into a real premium flying mansion.
The cost of the liner is about 237 million dollars.
R-8A Poseidon
The 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, the transport is also used as an anti-ship interceptor and rescue vessel.
One of the most expensive aircraft was also adopted by Great Britain, India and Australia, but the bulk of the ships (46 in total) are located in the USA.
The cost of the aircraft is about $250 million.
"C-17A Globemaster 3"
This pride of the Boeing company is not only the largest, but also the most expensive vehicle. At the end of 2015, exactly 270 units were produced, after which production of the series ceased. The vessel is designed to transport oversized cargo, ranging from aircraft themselves to other military equipment such as artillery, tanks, etc.
As in the previous case, the Americans sold several copies for export to Great Britain, Canada and Arab Emirates, but the bulk of the equipment is based at US military airports. The ship is quite voracious, so one trip costs as much as launching three passenger liners.
The cost of the aircraft is about 330 million dollars.
"F-22 Raptor"
In addition to the fact that the Raptor is an expensive fighter, it has been repeatedly recognized by experts in this field as the best military aircraft in the whole world. The multi-role aircraft is in service with the US Army.
The latest, fifth generation of fighters has exceptional technical characteristics, which only our MIGs can compete with. Yes, the aircraft is considered the best in its class, but it is too voracious, so its tactical combat distance is noticeably shorter than its analogues.
The cost of the fighter is about $350 million.
"Airbus A340-300 Custom"
This plane belongs to businessman Alisher Asmanov and is named “Burkhan” in honor of the owner’s father. The ship in its basic modification was in sixth place, but after expensive renovations it rose to third.
The plane initially accommodated 400 passengers, but after refurbishment it can take no more than 100 on board, but what! Expensive decoration, gold interior elements, furniture inlaid with precious stones, even light bulbs and lamps, and those are made of precious metals.
The cost of the liner is about 500 million dollars.
"Airbus A380 Custom"
This is one of the largest and at the same time expensive aircraft of our time. It is owned by the prince from Saudi Arabia, al-Walid ibn Talal. Its length is almost 80 meters and its height is 25, which is very, very high for a private vessel.
In its basic modification, the board was ready to accommodate up to 1000 passengers, but after designers and engineers worked on it, no more than 50 people. In essence, this is a real house with wings and there is everything from a garage with stables to a huge swimming pool with luxurious bedrooms.
The cost of the model is about 500 million dollars.
B-2 Stealth Bomber "Spirit"
The top of the ranking is occupied by the American multi-purpose bomber. This is the most expensive aircraft in the world, and it is ahead of the others by a very significant amount. Experts value the Spirit series at $2.1 billion. The aircraft is a multirole tactical bomber capable of performing a wide variety of missions.
The model was developed by Northrop Grumman, which has solid experience in the construction of not only military but also civilian vessels. After developing the project, the Pentagon planned to order more than a hundred units of such 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. Almost any weapon of various calibers can be installed on its board, from machine guns to nuclear warheads. In addition, the ship has an advanced stealth system that helps it avoid enemy defense systems.
The cost of the vessel is about 2.1 billion dollars.