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Cobra for sale

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  • Member since
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  • From: USA
Cobra for sale
Posted by FITTER on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 11:53 AM

Anyone in the market for their own REAL Cobra gunship?

http://www.courtesyaircraft.com/N599HF%20Bell%20TAH-1P%20Specs.htm

A little rich for my blood, but there are a few detail shots worth grabbing.

Big Smile [:D]

IBTL
  • Member since
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Posted by ridleusmc on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 11:47 PM

1.1 Mil, that's a deal.  Some eccentric businessman/pilot will use it fly to work on Wall Street. 

Semper Fi,

Chris  

  • Member since
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Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Wednesday, December 12, 2007 2:55 AM

Now thats cool.. But how are they able to be sold in the private sector?.

Chris 

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Posted by grandadjohn on Wednesday, December 12, 2007 8:42 AM
They've been de-militized
  • Member since
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Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Wednesday, December 12, 2007 6:09 PM

Ok cool, but what if I am a crazy with other crazy's that follow me, I have a lot of money and the know how to "re-miltize" it.. Whats to stop me from bringing some pain to some people?

Just a what if scenario on my part..

Cheers, Chris 

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                          1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

                          1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

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Posted by HeavyArty on Wednesday, December 12, 2007 6:31 PM
 Chris_in_Japan wrote:

Ok cool, but what if I am a crazy with other crazy's that follow me, I have a lot of money and the know how to "re-miltize" it.. Whats to stop me from bringing some pain to some people?

 

The police as they put a bullet through your head.  The same thing that happens when any nut uses a weapon improperly against innocent people.

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  • Member since
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  • From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.
Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Wednesday, December 12, 2007 6:43 PM
 HeavyArty wrote:
 Chris_in_Japan wrote:

Ok cool, but what if I am a crazy with other crazy's that follow me, I have a lot of money and the know how to "re-miltize" it.. Whats to stop me from bringing some pain to some people?

 

The police as they put a bullet through your head.  The same thing that happens when any nut uses a weapon improperly against innocent people.

So if it was that simple, then I guess Bin Laden would have been brought to justice 20 years ago, no?..  You make it sound so simple.. Officer talking into his radio, I have the Cobra hovering above me, I will attemp to take the shot with my pistol.. (Officer to self) What am I doing???

I am not talking about some kid who lives in his basement and hacks computers for fun. I am talking about seriously organized groups that have the will, money, and the desire to use these machines for no good.. Its no secret that a man can get anything on the black market, and so if it is so easy to now buy an attack helicopter on the public market, then whats to say that these "collectors items" couldnt be used to for no good? 

As I said, its a "what if scenario". Just trying to get a thoughtful discussion happening here..

Chris 

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                          1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

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Posted by HeavyArty on Wednesday, December 12, 2007 9:02 PM
You are talking about two totally different scenarios.  It is much easier to take out a single Cobra, or a few for that matter, than it is to track down and find a terrorist who is hiding behind false corporations and sympethetic governments, or hiding in some cave in northern Pakistan or Afghanistan.

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"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell

  • Member since
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Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Wednesday, December 12, 2007 10:54 PM

 HeavyArty wrote:
You are talking about two totally different scenarios.

No I'm not?

 

What's the difference between Bin Laden, or people that blow up abortion clinics?  They are organized groups that have an adgenda and use terror to advertise it!.... Those loony's at PETA have even said that they would resort to killing humans if it meant saving animals.. So what's to stop them buying it and using it to blow up something or spread their message.. 

I understand that it wouldn't be difficult for the government to seek and destroy a single helicopter. But the fact of the matter is, why should they be put in the public market for people to get their hands on.. And with the fact that matredom is a fact of life for some organisations, then the calateral damage would be greater than the loss of the single life that flew the thing and inflicted damage.. So why put it out there in the first place?

Who's to say that it wont go to a drug cartel in South America where by it is used by rebels to fight the governments of the day. It is afterall another weapon..

Chris 

 

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                          1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

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Posted by ridleusmc on Wednesday, December 12, 2007 11:38 PM

Don't worry,

The DOD, FAA, NTSB, etc, etc, will keep track of this machine.  P-51's and similar warbirds are still considered weapons systems and therefore require special certification and licensing from the FAA and NTSB.  I wouldn't worry about this Cobra too much.  It'll probably go to a flying museum. 

Semper Fi,

Chris 

  • Member since
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  • From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.
Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Wednesday, December 12, 2007 11:45 PM

Cheers..

As I said it was just a "what if" scenario, and I was just trying to make it sound far fetched..

I was wondering myself if they kept tabs on the older P-51's ect.. But knew that they would have to keep an eye on something like this..

Chris 

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                          1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

                          1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

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Posted by chopperfan on Thursday, December 13, 2007 8:22 AM
 Chris_in_Japan wrote:

Cheers..

As I said it was just a "what if" scenario, and I was just trying to make it sound far fetched..

I was wondering myself if they kept tabs on the older P-51's ect.. But knew that they would have to keep an eye on something like this..

Chris 

There are quite-a-few out there already, Chris. Albeit, not in 'private hands' exactly. But, none-the-less they COULD be converted back to military configuration. They are being used by the forestry divisions of a couple of states.

There's at least one being used by Florida and several in Washington state. They have several flying and more in Olympia waiting for conversion and/or for spare parts.

Here is one of Washington's. 

  

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Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Thursday, December 13, 2007 8:25 AM

Look, in all honesty I was being stupid, and was just putting the idea out there to see what people thought.. I have seen a picture of a Fire Cobra but not sure if it was the real deal or not..

I think its great that if you have the cash it could make a nice collectors piece, but just hoped that they kept track of it after sale..

Cheers mate.. 

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Posted by forest gump on Thursday, December 13, 2007 8:56 AM
IF I HAD THAT KIND OF MONEY I PROBABLY WOULD BUY ONE
  • Member since
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Posted by chopperfan on Thursday, December 13, 2007 12:07 PM
 Chris_in_Japan wrote:

Look, in all honesty I was being stupid, and was just putting the idea out there to see what people thought.. I have seen a picture of a Fire Cobra but not sure if it was the real deal or not..

I think its great that if you have the cash it could make a nice collectors piece, but just hoped that they kept track of it after sale..

Cheers mate.. 

Hey, Chris. I didn't post the picture to belittle you. I thought you might be interested in what some of them are up to these days. Big Smile [:D] In my opinion, you actually made a pretty good observation.

Even though the weapons have been de-milled, you are right, they can be re-milled. Although, it would be harder to do than say your everyday, cut Garand reciever or plugged 03-A3 barrel.

Randie [C):-)]Agape Models Without them? The men on the ground would have to work a lot harder. You can help. Please keep 'em flying! http://www.airtanker.com/
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Posted by IL2windhawk on Thursday, December 13, 2007 1:42 PM

Anybody that flies an unauthorized Cobra through downtown NYC
(Wall Street), would be asking for it.  That's for sure! 

It seems to me that somebody could convert any aircraft into a
weapons platform just as easily as a used Cobra or Mustang.
A Beech KingAir with guns in the nose would be just as fast as a
Mustang, and maybe even more impervious to damage.  So I don't
see any reason why former military aircraft should be monitored
more than others.

Just my 2c

 

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  • Member since
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  • From: Brisbane, Australia
Posted by shaun68 on Thursday, December 13, 2007 2:55 PM

The National Security clearance hoops you would need to jump through to even register your interest in the first place would be enough to scare most people off. Witness the ADF's decision to GIVEAWAY our Leo AS1's. Sure the engine & breech have been removed & the barrel filled but myself, my neighbour, or my mate down the street can't get one. You need to demonstrate to the ADF your background in restoration & preservation of de-commissioned military hardware, ergo RSL's & museums generally end up with them. And the Secret Squirrels in Canberra would have a database of the build #s cross-reffed to the old ARN's, so if you somehow managed to flog a 60-odd tonne tank from the forecourt of an RSL & then find some loony in the backwaters of Estonia (example) with a 105mm gun & breech for sale....

I see your point Chris, but the checkpoints in place (I can't imagine the U.S. DoD is any different to the ADF) would prevent Mr/s Bloggs getting their hands on something like this.

  • Member since
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Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Thursday, December 13, 2007 3:07 PM
 chopperfan wrote:
 Chris_in_Japan wrote:

Look, in all honesty I was being stupid, and was just putting the idea out there to see what people thought.. I have seen a picture of a Fire Cobra but not sure if it was the real deal or not..

I think its great that if you have the cash it could make a nice collectors piece, but just hoped that they kept track of it after sale..

Cheers mate.. 

Hey, Chris. I didn't post the picture to belittle you. I thought you might be interested in what some of them are up to these days. Big Smile [:D] In my opinion, you actually made a pretty good observation.

Even though the weapons have been de-milled, you are right, they can be re-milled. Although, it would be harder to do than say your everyday, cut Garand reciever or plugged 03-A3 barrel.

chopperfan dont worry, I didnt think that when you showed the pic. Infact its good to see exampls of the Cobra being used for other roles.. Like I said, I am sure I saw a Fire Cobra once, but not sure where? 

Shaun, I had some idea that it wouldn't be as cut and dry as I was suggesting.. It was a pie in the sky "what-if" in order to garner some reaction and discussion.. Your information is interesting and could see how difficult for the average Joe it must be.. I guess my point was, that sometimes, the bad guys aren't the average Joe if you know what I mean..

Cheers, Chris 

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                          1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

                          1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

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Posted by shaun68 on Thursday, December 13, 2007 5:15 PM
This is true Chris mate, this is true.
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Posted by Jeebus on Thursday, December 13, 2007 10:30 PM
 Chris_in_Japan wrote:

Ok cool, but what if I am a crazy with other crazy's that follow me, I have a lot of money and the know how to "re-miltize" it.. Whats to stop me from bringing some pain to some people?

Just a what if scenario on my part..

Cheers, Chris 

And whats to stop ME from doing the same with my K-98 or Garand. If their going to ban the sale of such things then they have to outlaw ALL weapons systems. I recently bought a so-called de-milled stoner designed light Mg for 900.00 at a gun show, the demilling consist's of a copper breach plug and thats it, a little careful drilling and it would be totaly operational.
  • Member since
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Posted by ridleusmc on Saturday, December 15, 2007 12:46 AM

Remind me to give you a positive revue on the next build you post.

-Semper Fi,

Chris

  • Member since
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  • From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.
Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Saturday, December 15, 2007 3:33 AM
 ridleusmc wrote:

Remind me to give you a positive revue on the next build you post.

-Semper Fi,

Chris

Who are you talking to?

Cheers, Chris 

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                          1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

                          1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

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Posted by ridleusmc on Saturday, December 15, 2007 6:34 PM

I was talking to Jeebus, the guy with the Garand, 98K, and the light Mg he knows how re-mil.  I rarely need more than a sharp #11 for home security.   

Semper Fi,

Chris

  • Member since
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  • From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.
Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Saturday, December 15, 2007 8:21 PM
 ridleusmc wrote:

I was talking to Jeebus, the guy with the Garand, 98K, and the light Mg he knows how re-mil.  I rarely need more than a sharp #11 for home security.   

Semper Fi,

Chris

I guess I have lived in Japan too long.. Security isn't one of the tops on my list.. But then again, I live in the country....  

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                          1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

                          1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

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Posted by PatlaborUnit1 on Sunday, January 13, 2008 10:58 PM

Niiiiice!

man check out those new wings!

 

David  

Build to please yourself, and don't worry about what others think! TI 4019 Jolly Roger Squadron, 501st Legion
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Posted by MBT70 on Sunday, January 20, 2008 4:17 PM

I think the whole discussion or re-arming the Cobra is a red herring.  It's been de-militarized to a far greater extent than just welding barrels and receivers shut.  All the fire control systems are gutted of their insides and empty component boxes remain, too, so if you can re-fang this snake, you could use the same amount of cash, effort and new parts to turn any aircraft into a gunship.  And whoever has the means to do that is smarter than trying it with a Cobra that is registered and watched by the FAA and DoD to ensure compliance.

 I have an AK-47 that I could (but never would) convert to full auto in an afternoon.  Why couldn't someone take a small airplane, like a Little Toot Biplane or a Steen Skybolt, and mount a couple full auto AKs on the cowl.  Rig a couple trigger-actuated solenoids to fire them with a crankshaft-mounted interruptor switch and you can strafe some VIPs to get your name in the history books.

 But folks like us would never do that, because we have morality, ethics and no reason to be so stupid.  The problem is, a lot of those Islamikazes out there are smart enough to pull off something like that.  But even the slightest whiff of Jihadi in their personal background check disqualifies them from buying old Cobras.  Sometimes it's nice to have Big Brother watching.

Life is tough. Then you die.
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Posted by Cobrahistorian on Tuesday, January 22, 2008 6:05 AM

Re-militarizing a Cobra would be considerably harder than one would think.  Finding, let alone installing, the correct avionics and armament systems would be very difficult. 

It could, of course, be done with the right financing, facilities, qualified ground and flight crews.  But even if some nutball managed to get all of the weapons systems up and running, I'm sure bells and whistles galore would start going off the second they tried to arm the thing.  It isn't that easy to sneak TOW missiles, 20mm cannon rounds and Hydra70 rockets around the country nowadays.  

Then again, it is a bit more than a project for some boob in his garage with dreams of world domination.

 

Jon 

"1-6 is in hot"
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Posted by Bgrigg on Tuesday, January 22, 2008 6:22 AM
Re-militarizing the cobra is moot, when you can buy a fully operational Hind or similar from one of the more ethically challenged countries, and probably for less!

So long folks!

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Posted by viper_mp on Tuesday, January 22, 2008 9:14 AM
I work for a flying museum, and we have a few birds that the FAA, NTSB and the Dept. of Homeland Security come out every year to inspect.  First thing they check are the weapon systems to make sure the avionics are out, and any weapons are de-milled.  My A/C gets the most scrutiny since its an F-84F.  the others are all WWII era. 

Rob Folden

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Posted by artabr on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 1:44 PM
     I know of at least one Huey in civilian hands armed with a M-134 minigun and I'm not worried about it in the least. I know of a bunch of full auto weapons (all legal) in civilian hands, I've fired quite a few of them. I not worried about them either. I know of 1 U-Haul truck in Oklahoma that killed more Americans than all the legally owed class 3 firearms in the U.S.      ART
God & the soldier we like adore, In times of trouble not before. When troubles ended & all things righted God is forgotten & the soldier is slighted.       Francis Quarles 1592-1644
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