In keeping with the somewhat manic tradition of post-Thanksgiving holiday shopping, WarbirdsNews thought we would share an aviation-themed store you might not have heard of before, but could perhaps find something you actually want inside. If you’re an aviation enthusiast, there’s a lot of fun stuff to be found in Boeing’s online store, but none is as unusual—and some would say even historic—as this authentic de-commissioned ejector seat from a McDonnell F-4 Phantom II fighter jet.
This genuine Mk.7 rocket-assisted ejection seat from an F-4 Phantom II was made by British manufacturer Martin-Baker Aircraft Co. Ltd., the world leader in ejection seats for more than 60 years. The seat has been refurbished and professionally cleaned, but not fully restored so it retains its patina of operational use. It comes mounted to a steel plate for display purposes, and still includes a harness, the ejection lever, and an empty oxygen tank. A Boeing Custom Hangar plaque is permanently attached to the seat back, and it comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, as you might expect. Each seat is unique, due to its history, and may vary slightly from the photograph. Approximate measurements: Seat width 18.5″; seat pad width 15″; seat height 56.5″; width of entire unit 49″
For obvious reasons, even though the Boeing Store wants $15,000 for this rare collectible, the one original item it doesn’t include is the rocket motor needed to make it eject clear of a fighter plane – nor that long drawn out office meeting! Other than that, it is a complete, and authentic representation of one of the world’s finest ejection seats from a truly significant aircraft. [Boeing Store via Uncrate]
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
Can you get me an F-4 Drag Chute Door?
I’ll have this for Christmas thanks.
Any discounts for experienced users? The one I ops checked was in too many pieces to be of use.