8 Fighter Jets You Can Actually Buy
6. 1942 Yakovlev YAK 9-UM ($695,000)
The title for the most mass-produced Soviet fighter jet model goes to the 1942 Yakovlev Yak 9-UM. This fighter jet stayed in production from 1942 until 1948, and it’s believed that approximately 16,769 models were built, with 14,579 of them being built during World War II.
Although the Yakovlev Yak 9-UMs were single-engine fighter aircraft, they afforded pilots flexibility not seen with previous models. This is due to the Yak 9-UM featuring a lowered rear fuselage decking and an all-around vision canopy.
What many don’t know is that a Yak 9-UM fighter jet was the first Soviet jet to shoot down a Messerschmitt Me 262 jet which was an incredible feat at the time. Additionally, after World War II, these jets were still used for active military service. Korea utilized the Yakovlev Yak 9-UMs during the Korean War.
Moreover, the Yakovlev Yak 9-UMs had powerful engines and improved aerodynamics. These features made the jet easily maneuverable and easy to control at high speeds regardless of the altitude. This is why to this day, they are still one of the most sought-after Soviet fighter jets.
7. 1960 Douglas A4C Skyhawk ($1,300,000)
One of the most influential aircraft to fly during the Vietnam and Yom Kippur Wars was the 1960 Douglas A4C Skyhawk fighter jet. These jets were single-seat subsonic light attack aircraft that played an instrumental role during the two wars.
According to many, the 1960 Douglas A4C Skyhawk was one of the best aircraft ever built in terms of structural efficiency. During the Vietnam War, it was used for attacks on ground units in North Vietnam. Additionally, this fighter jet was also used by Israeli pilots in numerous Middle Eastern conflicts.
Astonishingly, the 1960 Douglas A4C Skyhawks had an incredibly long service life as they were still being used during the Persian Gulf War from 1990 to 1991. These jets could be equipped with bombs and missiles, and they were capable of delivering nuclear weapons. According to accounts, there were approximately 2,960 units manufactured, and you can be the owner of one of these fighter jets if you have $1.3 million to spare.