Do SMTPA (Surplus Military Turbine Powered Aircraft) have their original guns and armament?
No, at least not in the USA. When an aircraft comes into the U.S., all weaponry has to be made permanently inoperable. These aircraft are usually inspected by three government agencies: The US Customs, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). These agencies ensure that imported jet warbird aircraft do not have cannons, ammunition, missiles, or any other weapon. Additionally, most owners remove much of the wiring and equipment which once operated the aircraft’s weaponry. This saves weight (and therefore fuel), and also makes the aircraft easier to maintain. If you see guns or bombs on an aircraft, they are almost always lightweight replicas, but some owners use original guns with their barrels welded closed.
Related Questions
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- Do SMTPA (Surplus Military Turbine Powered Aircraft) have their original guns and armament?
