Warplanes: June 24, 2002

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Having problems with neighborhood guerillas? Win the lottery? Then maybe you need your own Cobra TAH-1F Attack Helicopter, only on eBay at http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1836805915

The Cobra first saw combat in Vietnam and the most-modern USMC versions have fought in Afghanistan. Owner Chuck Aaron says that his AH-1F Cobra Helicopter is the ONLY one in civilian hands, with very, very low time SMOH (since major overhaul) since it's major overhaul by Bell Helicopter Service Centers. This gunship-without-guns has undergone an airframe up restoration to 'like new' flying condition. All major components zero time (yellow tag) or new. 

Without the weapons systems and sights, this aircraft is just like any other helicopter approved by the FAA. The most-likely purchaser would be a wealthy pilot like John Travolta or Tom Cruise, or a Hollywood rental firm. Aaron is an experienced flyer with over 17,000 hours in the air and has flown this particulary Cobra in the 1996 movie 'THE ROCK', as well as episodes of 'Walker, Texas Ranger'. Previously listed on eBay as early as August 2001 at $700,000, the current starting bid was a modest $650,000 although you can 'buy it now' for $1.1 million. - Adam Geibel