Popular
- February 2, 2023
BAC Strikemaster for Sale — British Jet Trainer and Light Attack Aircraft
The BAC Strikemaster is a British single-engine jet trainer and light attack aircraft developed by the British Aircraft Corporation as an armed export derivative of the BAC Jet Provost. First flown in 1967 and delivered to air forces across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and South America, the Strikemaster carved out a distinguished service record as a cost-effective weapons trainer and counterinsurgency aircraft before transitioning into civilian hands as warbird collectors and display operators acquired retired examples. Airplane Trade provides a dedicated marketplace for the BAC Strikemaster, connecting buyers and sellers of this historically significant British jet.
Development and Service History
The Strikemaster evolved directly from the BAC Jet Provost T.5, which had served as the standard jet trainer of the Royal Air Force since the late 1950s. BAC recognized an export opportunity for a more capable armed variant and developed the Strikemaster with a more powerful Rolls-Royce Viper 535 turbojet, increased fuel capacity, a strengthened wing capable of carrying up to 3,000 pounds of weapons, and improved cockpit systems. The aircraft retained the side-by-side seating of the Jet Provost, making it an effective lead-in trainer for pilots transitioning to more advanced combat aircraft.
Primary export customers included Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, South Yemen, Ecuador, Kenya, New Zealand, Singapore, and Sudan, with each nation receiving aircraft configured to their specific training and operational requirements. The Strikemaster saw combat use in several regional conflicts, demonstrating adequate performance in the close air support and armed reconnaissance roles against lightly defended targets. New Zealand operated the type until 1993, giving it one of the longest service lives of any Strikemaster operator.
Technical Specifications
- Engine: Rolls-Royce Viper 535 turbojet, 3,410 lb thrust
- Maximum speed: 472 mph (410 knots) at sea level
- Cruise speed: Approximately 380-400 knots
- Service ceiling: 44,000 ft
- Range: Approximately 1,380 miles ferry range
- Armament (original): Two 7.62mm machine guns plus up to 3,000 lb of external stores
- Seats: 2 (side-by-side)
- Length: 33 ft 8 in
- Wingspan: 36 ft 10 in
- MTOW: 11,500 lb
The Strikemaster as a Warbird
The BAC Strikemaster occupies an attractive niche in the warbird community as a genuine military jet with combat history, outstanding performance for its era, and operating costs that are manageable compared to more complex swept-wing jets. The Viper turbojet is a straightforward centrifugal-flow design with a long operational history and established overhaul support, and the robust Jet Provost-derived airframe has proven durable in decades of training and aerobatic operations. Many civilian-operated Strikemasters have been maintained to high standards by their owners and carry comprehensive maintenance records from their military service.
The side-by-side seating arrangement is particularly valued by warbird operators who wish to fly with passengers or conduct dual instruction, as it allows a second occupant to share the full flight experience rather than sitting in tandem behind the pilot. The aircraft performs well in airshow and formation flying roles, and its distinctively British lines and colorful former operator paint schemes make it visually striking on the ground and in the air.
Civilian Operation and Airworthiness
BAC Strikemasters operating on civilian registers in the United States typically hold FAA Experimental Airworthiness Certificates in the Exhibition or Air Racing categories, which permit airshow appearances and limited cross-country operations. Owners should ensure compliance with all applicable FAA requirements for experimental jet aircraft operations, including pilot currency requirements, annual condition inspections, and any FAA Special Airworthiness Information Bulletins applicable to the type. Insurance for ex-military jets requires specialist coverage from providers experienced in warbird operations.
Browse BAC Strikemaster Listings on Airplane Trade
Airplane Trade maintains listings for the BAC Strikemaster where serious warbird buyers can find aircraft from private collections, estate liquidations, and specialist dealers. Each listing provides detailed specifications, airframe history, and seller contact information. Whether you are an experienced jet warbird operator adding a Strikemaster to your collection or a transitioning military pilot seeking your first ex-military jet, browse current listings and connect directly with sellers on Airplane Trade today.