F-4 Phantoms to UK?

[WH904]

There's a story rolling around concerning the sale of two Luftwaffe F-4Fs to a UK buyer. Very difficult to establish what is nonsense and what is reality but it sounds as if the buyer may be HHA at Scampton and that there might be plans to operate one if not both aircraft under military contract, complete with British markings, etc.

So, the obvious question, does anybody know anything that is more than speculation? Would be quite a treat to see and hear an F-4 back in the UK, but one does have to question the validity of the rumours, what with the CAA's attitude, costs, etc. An interesting story though :)

[Not_a_boffin]

Everett Aero have been buying up "unwanted" F4 within the UK, gate guardians etc.

[Rhino power]

Well, they've already got a SU-22 sitting at Scampton, why not add an F-4 too! :) Without adding fuel to the fire, 38+** is sitting in a hangar at Jever with signs on it saying 'Do Not Demilitarize - for onward sale' or words to that effect. This is a 'rumour' that has been doing the rounds for quite a while now and, it seems to be gathering pace...

-RP

[Davef68]

If it's operated on the military register, then what the CAA say wouldn't matter, it would come under MAA jurisdiction.

[500N]

Question re on sale of US made F-4's.

Being US made, are F-4's still required to have US approval before any sales are approved ?

[Wrathmonk]

American made. German flown and serviced. MAA approval required.

May see it flying in about 10 years then if the RJ saga is anything to go by.

And cue the outrage ;)

[500N]

Wrath

What I meant was us govt approval to sell ?

Same as aust can't sell the F-111's to anyone.

[Wrathmonk]

500N - think we're at crossed purposes! I'm sure the US would approve the sale - MOD would buy them at a huge mark up, or worse lease them, then park them on a pan for years stating them not to be airworthy!:E

[Martin the Martian]

HHA's Su-22 and Buccaneer are both owned against the possibility of contract work requiring them. As yet no such work has materialised, which may apply to the F-4s as well. Still, one can hope.