I’ve heard of newly rich buying many strange things. But this takes the cake.
A wealthy Russian tried to buy a U.S. B-52 bomber from a group of shocked American pilots at an airshow near Moscow, a Russian newspaper reported Friday.
The unidentified Russian, wearing sunglasses and surrounded by bodyguards, approached the U.S. delegation and asked to buy the bomber, the Komsomolskaya Pravda newspaper said.
An astounded member of the U.S. delegation said the bomber was not for sale but that it would cost at least $500 million if it were to be sold on the spot.
“That is no problem. It is such a cool machine,” the Russian was quoted as saying by the newspaper, which said its reporter overheard the conversation. The bomber was not sold.
Russia’s new rich, who built fantastic fortunes trading commodities and contacts after the fall of the Soviet Union, have made a name for themselves as ostentatious purchasers of everything from British football clubs to Faberge eggs.
[Reuters]
Seriously that was the wrong way to buy one. What the guy should of done, was buy himself a congressman who would of made the moves to allow an older B-52 be bought out of the graveyard, fixed up for “airshow purposes” (dearmed) and the whole would possibly of worked.
That said, perhaps he should buy a former Soviet BlackJack Bomber instead. The Soviet Union was selling anything for a price, and since he’s a citizen he probably could work it. And the Bear is a sexy looking bomber.
Tags: Airshow, Aviation, Humor, Interesting, Military, Weird
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