The most expensive planes in the world. The most expensive private jets in the world. The most beautiful airliner in the world

Everyone knows that an airplane is not cheap, but the examples presented in today's top are simply prohibitively expensive. Only a few countries can afford such aircraft, not to mention ordinary people. So what are the most expensive planes in the world today?

B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber - $ 2.1 billion

This strategic bomber was developed and first released in the United States in 1946. His whole appearance says so - the future has come. "Flying Wing", as it is popularly called, is distinguished by unsurpassed aerodynamic characteristics and the ability to effectively hide from ground-based radars.

Aircraft maintenance also costs the state considerable sums. B-2 Spirit needs 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. All over 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 aircraft and was created as a competitor to the devices of the world giant Boeing. The liner has been developed and improved for over 10 years. Today the plane can accommodate more than 850 passengers, there are departments for business and economy class, as well as places for showers, libraries, bars - all this is organized at the request of the customer company.

To save money on pilot training, their cockpit was made almost identical to others located in similar aircraft. The cockpit is equipped with nine LCD monitors that display in detail all the information necessary for a successful flight. The crew numbers 27 people, along with pilots and stewards, but a couple more pilots are added for long flights.

Airbus A340 - from $ 350,000,000

Aircraft of this family, besides the price, have several other features in common. They have four engines, a wide fuselage, and a length of 63 meters. The family actively uses innovations in the field of aircraft construction - so that fuel consumption is minimal, aerodynamic properties are worked out to the smallest detail. A digital control system has been introduced, and modern composite materials are used for the hull.

In turn, due to their low fuel consumption, the 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 be up to 440, and there is also a spacious cargo hold.

F-22 Raptor - $ 350,000,000

This ship has confidently proven the leadership of the United States in the development of military aircraft. It is not without reason that it is called “the plane of the 21st century” - the latest developments are used in technology. The F-22 Raptor is distinguished by low radar signature, speed exceeding the speed of sound, and excellent maneuverability.

The functionality of the aircraft is impressive. The aircraft possesses all-aspect target destruction, is equipped with advanced electronics and a circular information system. In the creation of the hull, aluminum and titanium alloys were used - composite materials can significantly reduce the weight, and therefore make the aircraft more maneuverable and less noticeable for radar devices.

C-17A Globemaster III - $ 328,000,000

This American plane took off for the first time in 1991. But, even despite the age of more than two decades, the development is still in demand and is included in the military aviation fleets of many countries - the USA, Canada, Australia, the United Arab Emirates, etc. 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 has a fairly short (less than a kilometer) runway, which allows it to take off as quickly as possible.

P-8A Poseidon - $ 290,000,000

This Boeing aircraft has an onboard radar and reconnaissance system. He is able to make a cartographic assessment of the terrain, independently recognize even stationary objects, and also search for submarines under water. As for the power component, the R-8A has two reliable engines - the probability of their failure is close to zero.

The aircraft develops a tremendous speed - up to 930 km / h, and in a state of patrol over the sea - 330 km / h at an altitude of 60 meters. In its inner section, both conventional bombs and depth charges or torpedoes are placed. And underwing pylons are needed for anti-ship missiles. Poseidon's defense is also well organized - there is an EWSP, the so-called electronic countermeasures system, as well as jamming control systems.

Boeing 747-430 Custom - $ 233,000,000

This commercial aircraft is the most successful of the entire 747 series. Compared to the previous version, the 747-300, it has more rounded wing tips, a glass cockpit and improved motors. In 1989, the plane without passengers set a record in its category - it flew 18 thousand kilometers in 20 hours.

Boeing 747-430 surpasses analogues in the following parameters: speed, carrying capacity, payback level. However, it loses out in terms of fuel consumption, maintenance and flight costs. In 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 United States for reconnaissance purposes back in 1960. It provides the best detection of objects at a distance of up to 540 kilometers (for cruise missiles - half that). Also, the aircraft can monitor targets on the water, after which it can quickly transmit information to the operational center on the main aircraft carrier, and at the same time it will be received by patrol means.

E-2 serves as a command post designed to control the process of targeting fighters, to warn in advance about the appearance of enemy aircraft in the visibility zone, and also to control the accompanying fighters. At the moment, the United States has about 140 such aircraft.

Boeing 747-400 Custom - $ 200,000,000

This passenger liner was released in 1969 and can accommodate about 580 passengers. On the upper deck there is a business class for 44 people. Chairs in it can be converted into comfortable beds. The menu includes a wide range of food and drinks, and a multimedia entertainment system is provided so that the flight is not boring.

As for the economy class, located on the lower deck, it is also quite comfortable for a flight - the seats are soft, located at an impressive distance from each other. In general, the liner is very popular among passengers and provides them with all the necessary conditions for a comfortable flight. It is also popularly called “Eggplant” because of the characteristic humped shape of the upper deck.

Boeing 747-8 VIP - $ 153,000,000

True to its name, this aircraft is designed for VIPs - it is the most comfortable and luxurious even in the details. Four powerful engines allow you to cover up to 14 thousand kilometers without a change. Inside there is a seating 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 break away from work even on the way, there is a conference room and a study. And you can communicate with friends and colleagues in a bright, spacious living room.

The listed aircraft amaze not only with their price, but also with the rich history that envelops them. It is difficult to imagine what mankind was capable of inventing, making and lifting these giants into the air. However, this is the case. For whatever purpose this or that aircraft was intended, their names are thundering all over the world today.

Video

Making weapons is a profitable business: no matter what the price of greedy gunsmiths, governments pay, not stingy. Especially when it comes to aviation, which the Western powers love to fight so much.

So, almost a billion was overpaid by the United States for the latest F-35 Lightning II aircraft. Lockheed Martin recently confronted the Pentagon with the fact that the contract has risen in price 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

Twin-engine, US Air Force strike fighter, which was born in the distant 80s. He was the first among his American counterparts to cross between 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

The version of the previous aircraft: fewer weapons, but a lot of effective electronic countermeasures. Growler is designed for the needs of the fleet. He knows how to jam enemy radars and interfere with the enemy's electronic communications.

Source: defense.gov

$ 118 MILLION - V-22 OSPREY

This is a vertical takeoff 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, dropping people and equipment in the most inconvenient places. However, the originality of the idea demanded victims: during Osprey's tests, about 30 people died.

Source: defense.gov

$ 122 MILLION - F-35 LIGHTNING II

Lockheed Martin tore off the most monetary military contract in world history - we already mentioned it at the beginning of the ranking. Indeed, this F-35 is a fifth generation supersonic fighter-bomber.

And nevertheless, at the stage of flight tests, the last word of NATO aircraft was criticized for the superiority and unimportant thrust of the engines. And in 2008, hackers broke the electronic control codes of the aircraft.

After these troubles, Lockheed Martin no longer believed that the contract would be fulfilled. But the Pentagon had nowhere to go - and the "Lightning" is already preparing to become a serial aircraft.

Source: defense.gov

$ 232 MILLION - E-2D ADVANCED HAWKEYE

Sharp-eyed observer aircraft and reconnaissance aircraft. The radar of the latest modification has increased the coverage 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 fleet of helicopters has already gobbled up a lot of money. The project, launched under Bush Jr., has exceeded its budget by 50% since the arrival of Obama. It was decided to cut costs, but the helicopter still used the extra half a billion dollars.

Source: defense.gov

$ 290 MILLION - P-8A POSEIDON

A military version of the Boeing 747, conceived to accompany anti-submarine ships and conduct naval reconnaissance. Carries on board torpedoes, missiles, depth charges and other opportunities to jam fish with impunity. It entered service in 2013.

The plane is one of the most unique and versatile vehicles. The centuries-old history, coupled with technical progress, allowed not only to improve the ships, but also to add chic to them. Today, this technique performs many tasks, ranging from the military-strategic and ending with 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 distinguished by its innovative technical part, and can amaze the imagination with luxurious finishes, salons and other entourage accompanying the status.

The most expensive private jets are bought by oligarchs, rulers and other powerful of this world. The possession of such a vessel underlines the status of the owner. Besides, this is a good investment of available funds. The most expensive military aircraft can be afforded by developed and, naturally, far from poor states. An advanced technical part helps to solve specific problems, or, conversely, turn a vehicle into a universal tool for everything and everyone.

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 descriptive 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 it was the “fundamental” equipment of the vessel that was taken into account in the calculation of the cost. That is, what is installed there, as they say, tightly. Because some business leaders are cunning in order to get into the venerable ratings, and "equip" their planes with paintings by Pablo Picasso, Paul Cézanne and other values, which significantly increases the theoretical cost of the board.

The top 10 most expensive aircraft are as follows:

1. B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber.
2. Airbus A380 Custom.
3. Airbus A340-300 Custom.
4. "F-22 Raptor".
5. "C-17A Globmaster 3".
6. "R-8A Poseidon".
7. Boeing 747-430 Custom.
8. "E-2D Advanced Haukei".
9. Boeing 747-400 Custom.
10. 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, "Dreamliner". Its proud 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 be safely accommodated on board. 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 plane, owned by a prince from wealthy Saudi Arabia. It was bought back in 2003 and properly 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 vessel is designed for 14 important persons, not counting the "cubby" for the guards.

The cost of the aircraft is about $ 230 million.

E-2D Advanced Hawkeye

This is a rather unusual deck ship, which is in service with the American 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 packed to the brim with all kinds 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 aimed at performing a wide variety of tasks, and even the most terrible weather conditions do not interfere with it. The board looks, perhaps, not as attractive as other participants in the rating, but it knows its business.

The cost of the aircraft is about $ 235 million.

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 was bought by the Sultan, who lives on the island of Borneo, for $ 100 million, but after the designers and engineers worked on the ship, it skyrocketed in price.

The bulk was spent on luxurious chambers and precious metal furnishings. For example, ordinary washbasins in an airplane are made of high-standard gold. The owner turned the ship into a real premium flying mansion.

The cost of the liner is about $ 237 million.

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, 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 (there are 46 of them) are located in the United States.

The cost of the aircraft is about $ 250 million.

"C-17A Globmaster 3"

This pride of Boeing 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 designed to carry oversized cargo, ranging from the aircraft themselves and ending with other military equipment such as 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 vessel is quite voracious, so one trip costs the same as launching three passenger liners.

The cost of the aircraft is about $ 330 million.

"F-22 Raptor"

Besides 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 world. The multipurpose aircraft is in service with the American 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 it is too gluttonous, so its tactical combat distance is noticeably shorter than that of its counterparts.

The cost of the fighter is about $ 350 million.

Airbus A340-300 Custom

This plane belongs to businessman Alisher Asmanov and bears the name "Burkhan" in honor of the owner's father. The vessel in its basic modification was ranked sixth, but after costly renovations it rose to third.

The plane initially accommodated 400 passengers, but after processing it can take on board no more than 100, but how! Expensive finishes, golden interior elements, furniture inlaid with precious stones, even light bulbs with lamps, and they 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. It is 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 vessel.

In its basic modification, the board was ready to take up to 1000 passengers, then after designers and engineers worked on it - no more than 50 people. Basically, this is a real house with wings and has everything from a garage with a stable to a huge pool with luxurious bedrooms.

The cost of the model is about $ 500 million.

B-2 Stealth Bomber Spirit

The top of the rating is occupied by an American multipurpose bomber. This is the most expensive plane in the world, and it has broken away from the others by a very significant amount. Experts estimate the Spirit series at $ 2.1 billion. The aircraft is a multifunctional 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 ships. After the development of the project, the Pentagon planned to order more than a hundred units of such equipment, but due to the high cost of this, 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 board, from machine guns to nuclear warheads. In addition, the ship has an advanced stealth system that helps it avoid enemy defenses.

The cost of the vessel is about $ 2.1 billion.

An airplane is not so much a means of transportation in itself as a luxury: it consumes a huge mass of fuel, requires a hangar, a brigade of experienced pilots and technicians, and, of course, a timely "upgrade". But people who can afford their own "iron bird" often shell out so fabulously that one wants to gasp. Built-in cinemas, gilding, handmade carpets and even (although this has already become mainstream) gold plumbing - that's what the nouveau riche go for, just so that everyone in the world does not doubt that they are really rich.

They are also called business jets.

As you might guess, this aircraft belongs to an Arab sheikh and a prince. Al Waleed bin Talal bought an Airbus A380 Custom back in 2012, and immediately - in a special, specially designed for rich "troubles", configuration. For the most expensive plane, he unfastened about half a billion dollars.

The plane is double-decked. From below, two cars of the sheikh are flying (he especially loves Rolls-Royces), as well as his horses, camels and even hawks - the owner of the plane is a hunter. A prayer room was also built there, the cunning architecture of which, in any course, can direct the room towards Mecca.

In addition, on the plane you can find:

• five bedrooms - for the owner and his guests,
• Turkish bath, bath and shower,
• the gym,
• concert hall,
• rest rooms from all this splendor ...

To make all this beauty shine and sparkle, 15 people work in the liner - several pilots and a lot of flight attendants. They can serve both one host and a thousand guests (this is how many passengers an Airbus A380 can carry).

Many of you may be asking a logical question: how does this palace take off at all? After all, this is neither more nor less: 25 meters in height, 72 in length! But he not only rises into the sky, he can fly 14.5 thousand kilometers without refueling.

Slightly less cheap, but no less luxurious

Other sheikhs and other rich people of this world learned about the Airbus A380 with envy ... And then they bombarded its creators with requests. Therefore, in the world of such "birds" there are already quite a lot - as many as 195 pieces. And you say - the world economic crisis ...

We invite you to find out about no less luxurious, and often no less expensive planes of other billionaires.

1. Airbus A340-300 Custom, which has its own name - "Burkhan". Thus, the owner of the plane, Russian billionaire Alisher Asmanov, honored his own father: a winged “bird” bears this name (it is interesting that he also did not forget about his mother, having named a luxury yacht “Dilbar” in her honor). This flying miracle is worth the same $ 500 million (the price was primarily influenced by the fact that the salon was not basic, but designed for the numerous requirements of the owner).
2. Boeing 767. Its owner is Roman Abramovich. For the same "symbolic" 500 million, he received a salon in red and black wood, gold interior items and even ... His own anti-missile system. By the way, when he gets bored with Boeing, the Russian billionaire switches to Airbus 340.
3. Boeing 747-430 Custom. Property of the Sultan of Brunei. The owner bought it “only” for 100 million, but significantly modified it, stuffing it with all possible amenities and attributes of luxury, which caused the price of the plane to rise to 230 million. There is even a gold washbasin (not painted, but entirely made of this most noble metal). What are the toilet bowls made of in this plane, history is silent, although logic dictates that they can also be oh, how difficult ...
4. Boeing 747-400 Custom. Another "birdie" of Al Walid bin Talal, about which we have already written above. This man is richer than Uncle Scrooge! A huge golden living room, two royal bedrooms - and all this for 230 million "green".
5. Boeing 747-8VIP, aka Dreamliner. Its owner is not a sheikh (finally), but a billionaire from Hong Kong - Joseph Lau. For 200 million, this person equipped not a nouveau riche, but simply the most comfortable vehicle. There are no golden walls and bulging attributes of luxury, the interior is more reminiscent of neo-modern.

Most "sophisticated" fighter

This is the American B-2 Spirit bomber. It is literally stuffed with electronics. Take, for example, the casing - it is made of radio-absorbing materials, due to which this "bird" cannot be caught by radars.

The plane can carry any weapon (even nuclear).

In the USA, they collected 21 pieces. Each cost the American taxpayers 2 billion and another 100 million "green"! Military journalists report that it was the Spiritualists who were involved in the bombing in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The most expensive passenger liner

It's called the Concorde.

Its creation is already an interesting story in itself. This supersonic aircraft was invented in Europe back in the 50s, but the project turned out to be too expensive for any particular country, so two powerful enterprises took on it at once - the American Boeing company and the Russian (at that time Soviet) Tupolev Design Bureau. Over time, the United States withdrew from the project, and France and Britain joined it.

As they say, if we suffer for a long time, we will succeed: the first "Concorde" (the name is very telling - it translates as "commonwealth" or "consent") took off in 1968. When he successfully (and with a record fast speed) flew 2 years, the creators blessed mass production.

In principle, only 14 aircraft were assembled. Four became the property of Air France, five - British Airways. They flew across Europe and the United States and at first turned out to be unprofitable. After the engines were improved (they began to "eat" less), the tickets became a little cheaper, and the planes began to make a profit. Moreover, the passengers also appreciated the convenience of bullet transatlantic flights.

Unfortunately, in 2000 there was a fire on board one of the "birds". The plane crashed, killing more than a hundred passengers. The reputation of the winged ships was tarnished. They tried to modify them, but since 2003 they no longer fly.

But is it necessary to buy your own plane to fly like a king? No! You can go on a trip in first class, and then you will have access to marbled beef on Chinese china, champagne and a chic bed strewn with rose petals. This video will tell you more about flying in first class, and in particular about airlines that provide such a service:

It is difficult to think of a way to get from point A to point B faster than flying. Moreover, if the flight takes place with all imaginable comfort.

In our today's top ten are collected. And if military vehicles are worth millions of dollars, thanks to high-tech stuffing, then the cost of private jets skyrockets due to gilded ceilings and marble plumbing.

10. Bombardier Global Express by Mikhail Fridman ($ 57 million)

The expensive aircraft of the founder of Alfa Group was purchased back in 2005. The interior trim contains valuable woods, natural leather and gilding, familiar to oligarchs.

9. Airbus А-319-115XCJ - Ukrainian aircraft No. 1 of Viktor Yanukovych ($ 86 million)

The luxurious liner was assembled to order for three years. To appreciate the luxury of the plane, suffice it to say that the bathroom on board the plane has a gilded faucet and pink marble plumbing.

8. Boeing 747 of Swaziland King Mswati III ($ 170 million)

The plane was purchased in 2002 with government money, while most of the country's population lives on less than $ 2 a day. The purchase almost caused a revolution, because the cost of an expensive plane was 5 times the national debt.

7.Alisher Usmanov's Airbus 340-300 ($ 350 million)

The richest man in Russia in 2012 owns a plane with the inscription “M-IABU” on board, which stands for “I am Alisher Burkhanovich Usmanov”.

6. American fighter F-22 "Raptor" ($ 350 million)

The most expensive fighter in the world not only costs insane amounts of money, but is also extremely whimsical to operate. One hour of flight of a combat vehicle costs about $ 19 thousand.

5. Boeing 747-200B of George W. Bush ($ 375 million)

One of the largest government aircraft in the world has not only a luxurious interior, but also missile defense and electronic warfare devices, as well as an electromagnetic protection system in the event of a nuclear attack.

4. Boeing 767 by Roman Abramovich (according to various estimates, from $ 500 million to $ 1 billion)

Black and mahogany wood, gold of the highest standard are used in the finishing of the liner. The plane is even equipped with an anti-missile system. Abramovich's fleet also has an Airbus 340.

3. Airbus A380 of Saudi Prince Al-Walid bin Talalu. ($ 520 million)

On board the aircraft there are several bedrooms, a concert hall, a spa area with a sauna and hydromassage, a dance floor, a gym and a bar. For the guests of the prince, there are 20 cabins that are not inferior in comfort to rooms in a five-star hotel.

2. Boeing 747-430 of Hassanal Bolkiah, Sultan of Brunei (at least $ 1 billion)

The salon of the world's most expensive private liner is decorated with oriental luxury - handmade carpets side by side with plumbing fixtures made of pure gold. The ruler of a small country on the border with Malaysia is considered one of the richest people on the planet. The Sultan also owns two Aerobus A-340s and one Boeing-767.

1. B-2 Spirit bomber ($ 2.1 billion)

The most expensive in the world a strategic bomber can become invisible to the enemy thanks to stealth technology. These aircraft were used by the US Air Force during the bombing raids in Afghanistan and Iraq.