Original guns and armament?

Do surplus jet aircraft have their original guns and armament?
No, at least not in the USA. When an aircraft comes into the U.S., all weaponry has to be
made permanently inoperable. These aircraft are usually inspected by three government
agencies:

The U.S. Customs Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms
(ATF) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). These agencies ensure that imported
jet warbird aircraft do not have cannons, ammunition, missiles, or any other weapon.
Additionally, most owners remove much of the wiring and equipment which once operated
the aircraft's weaponry.

This saves weight (and therefore fuel), and also makes the aircraft
easier to maintain.

If you see guns or bombs on an aircraft, they are almost always
lightweight replicas, but some owners use original guns with their barrels welded closed.


 

 

Interested in Air Shows?

Read our review of the Wings of Freedom Air Show

What kind of a show was it?
Located in the picturesque foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in western Maryland lies Frederick, home to AOPA (Aircraft Owners & Pilots Assoc.). The airport also holds a gathering of warbirds, past and present every August .... airraft show review

 

Military Aircraft

F-18

F-16

EF-111

F-8 A-4C

TA-4J

A-7

T-38

T-2

AH-1T The AH-1 Cobra (company designation: Bell 209) is a two-bladed, single engine attack helicopter manufactured by Bell. It shares a common engine, transmission and rotor system with the older UH-1 Iroquois. The AH-1 is also referred to as the HueyCobra or Snake.

Questions and Answers

Do People actually own and fly ex-military jet aircraft?

Do surplus jet aircraft have their original guns and armament?

How expensive is it to own and operate a classic jet?

What personal qualifications are needed to safely operate aircraft like this?

 

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