Harrier jet could be yours for a price
It has had one careful owner, but has suffered a bit of a bump and is missing an engine – this Harrier jump jet could be yours if the price is right.
RAF Cosford is looking for bids for the Harrier GR7 (ZD462), which comes with a fascinating history but with no chance of ever flying again.
The aircraft had been used at the RAF base near Wolverhampton to train engineers in how to repair aircrafts.
But bosses are now using purpose-made sheets of metal which are better suited.
The plane, now up for sale to the highest bidder, comes with an action-packed log book.
It came to RAF Cosford after crashing into the Mediterranean Sea in 1996 off the coast of Sardinia while operating from HMS Invincible. Ministry of Defence officials have been unable to say how the accident happened.
The pilot ejected and the plane was recovered.
It was built back in 1989 and after the crash spent two years in Barcelona before being sent to Cosford for training.
RAF Cosford spokesman Graham Lee said: "What it has been used for is just practising repairs on the body work. We now have some more modern sheets of metal which can be used which is more uniform for those practising."
It is not the first Harrier to be offered up for sale from this region. In 2006, Black Country haulage boss Chris Kelly sold another engineless jet for £65,000 on ebay.
The aircraft at Cosford is being sold through the Disposal Services Authority, which gets rid of items for the armed forces, via the competitive tender process.
It is not saying how much it believes the jet is worth, but is willing to pass it to the person offering the most money.
Like any good motor up for sale, the Harrier is available for inspection.
For further information or to arrange a visit, contact Kevin Ladbrook on 0207 305 3167.
Harrier facts: -
• The Harrier is the world's only vertical take off and landing jet fighter
• It was developed in an era of financial cutbacks which saw the end of the large Royal Navy aircraft carriers
• It has four nozzles that direct the jet engine thrust downwards for vertical lift
• Harriers can only hover for 90 seconds – in this time it uses 150 gallons of water to keep the engine cool
• The plane combines the best aspects of a helicopter with those of a fighter jet
• The world speed record for a helicopter is 249mph – but a Harrier can fly at 730mph
