1959 MCDONNELL DOUGLAS F4H-1F

Description

MOTIVATED SELLER — MAKE OFFER 1959 McDONNELL F4H-1F PHANTOM II SERIAL NUMBER 145310 11th Pre-Production Phantom • Operation Sageburner Aircraft • Restoration to Flight Underway An extraordinary opportunity to acquire one of the most historically significant privately held jet warbirds in existence. F4H-1F Phantom II, Bureau Number 145310, was delivered to the United States Navy in 1959 as the 11th pre-production Phantom, placing this aircraft at the very beginning of what would become one of the most successful and recognizable military aircraft programs in history. OPERATION SAGEBURNER 145310 participated in the U.S. Navy's legendary Operation Sageburner program associated with the Navy's 50th Anniversary of Naval Aviation in 1961. The program culminated in a remarkable low-altitude speed record of approximately 902 mph at only 125 feet above the ground—an extraordinary demonstration of the Phantom's performance and a significant chapter in U.S. naval aviation history. MULTI-MILLION-DOLLAR RESTORATION The aircraft has been undergoing an extensive restoration with the objective of returning it to airworthy condition. The current owner has invested millions of dollars bringing the project to its present stage. Work completed to date has been documented, with components and parts appropriately identified and tagged. This is not a project starting from zero. A substantial amount of difficult and expensive restoration work has already been accomplished. Major items presently anticipated to complete the project include: Overhaul of both engines Two ejection seats Avionics completion Final systems completion and integration Ground testing Flight-test program and associated return-to-flight requirements The current estimated cost to complete the aircraft is approximately $1.0–$2.0 million, depending upon final equipment selections, overhaul requirements, certification/authorization requirements, and the scope of work necessary during completion and flight testing. AN OPPORTUNITY WITHOUT AN EQUAL What makes 145310 particularly compelling is not simply its history—it is the prospect of returning an extraordinarily significant early Phantom to flight. Subject to completion of the restoration and all applicable regulatory approvals and operating limitations, this aircraft represents a potentially unique opportunity for a private individual or organization to own and operate a flight-capable F4H/F-4 Phantom. The combination of pre-production provenance, Operation Sageburner history, substantial restoration already completed, and the potential for private flight operation places 145310 in a category of its own. For the right buyer, the remaining investment offers the possibility of completing something extraordinary: A privately operated, flying McDonnell Phantom with direct ties to one of the most celebrated periods in U.S. naval aviation history. HIGHLIGHTS Motivated Seller — Make Offer McDonnell F4H-1F Phantom II Bureau Number 145310 Delivered to the U.S. Navy in 1959 11th pre-production Phantom Participant in Operation Sageburner Significant early Phantom and U.S. Navy history Extensive restoration toward airworthy condition already completed Millions of dollars invested by the current owner Restoration work documented Parts and components appropriately tagged Two-engine overhaul remaining Two ejection seats remaining Avionics and final completion required Ground and flight testing remaining Estimated $1.0–$2.0 million to complete Exceptional opportunity to complete a historically significant Phantom for private operation, subject to applicable approvals MOTIVATED SELLER SERIOUS OFFERS ENCOURAGED A significant portion of the financial investment and restoration effort has already been made. The current owner is motivated to see the aircraft placed with a buyer capable of bringing this remarkable project across the finish line. Make a reasonable offer.