In the California desert, a former death machine can be yours at a discount

"If you happen to have $950,000 and a hangar to spare, a famed - and heavily discounted - American warbird in the California desert can be yours. Described as the "World's Only Privately Owned F-4 Phantom Capable of Flight" by its listing agents, the McDonnell F4H-1F has a significant and storied past: During a demonstration in 1961, this exact plane dropped several 500-pound bombs on Fort Bragg, influencing the U.S. Air Force's decision to order them."

"According to the aircraft's description, it has two "hot" ejection seats, along with new parachutes, survival kits and upgraded engines. Though the listing offers few details, when an ejection is "hot," this usually means that the seats are jet- powered, leading to dizzying and sometimes violent ejections that have been known to cause head and spinal injuries among pilots. The Phantom's restoration is about 85% complete, and the aircraft has been discounted from $3 million to $950,000."

A McDonnell F4H-1F Phantom (F-4) with a notable combat and testing history is offered for sale at $950,000. The aircraft first flew in 1958, dropped 500-pound bombs during a 1961 demonstration, was damaged by a Sidewinder missile during a weapons test, suffered engine failure and was decommissioned in 1964. The Phantom became a widely produced American jet fighter that advanced radar and missile combat. The airframe has been under restoration at French Valley Airport for about a decade and is roughly 85% complete. Upgrades include two "hot" ejection seats, new parachutes, survival kits and upgraded engines.

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