Ever dreamed of owning a real military jet? Here’s something that might catch your attention – a BAC Jet Provost T4 currently listed for $120,000 USD ($170,000 CAD) at Tillsonburg airport in Ontario. That’s right – for roughly the price of a used Cessna 172, you could be flying a genuine RAF jet trainer.
The BAC Jet Provost served as the Royal Air Force’s primary jet trainer from 1955 to 1993, with approximately 731 units produced across all variants. The T4 variant, introduced in 1961, is particularly coveted by enthusiasts for its enhanced performance characteristics.
According to the seller, this particular example shows 6,700 hours total time since new, with its Rolls-Royce Viper 202 turbojet engine logging 1,429 hours since major overhaul. The engine, which produces 2,500 pounds of thrust, has a TBO of 1,800 hours, and interestingly, a spare engine is available with the package.
Recent Market Comparisons:
• 1969 BAC Jet Provost T5 – Sold for $165,000 (including fees) at Platinum Fighter Sales, December 2022
• 1968 BAC Jet Provost T4 – Listed at $145,000 on Controller.com, March 2023
• 1965 BAC Jet Provost T3 – Sold for $98,500 (including fees) via AVPay.com, January 2023
Performance Specifications (as stated by the seller): • Maximum speed: 400 knots below 10,000 feet, 440 knots above • Normal cruise: 200-250 knots • Fuel consumption: Approximately 500L per hour
What makes this example special? The seller reports it holds a Limited Category Certificate of Airworthiness (not experimental or homebuilt), is maintained to RAF servicing schedules, and features up-to-date NDT inspections. While the original military UHF and nav equipment have been replaced with civilian ICOM radio, intercom, and transponder systems, the seller states only original parts were used in maintenance.
Why Collectors Should Take Notice:
• Historical Significance: Genuine RAF training aircraft with documented service history
• Affordability: Offers real jet performance at piston aircraft prices
• Maintainability: Comes with comprehensive spares package including spare engine
• Documentation: Complete RAF maintenance records and current inspections
• Investment Potential: Growing interest in military trainer aircraft among collectors
Here’s a list of comparable military jet trainers that compete in a similar market and price range to the BAC Jet Provost T4:
- Aero L-29 Delfin
- Czech-built trainer (1963-1974)
- Typical market price: $70,000-$125,000
- Similar performance profile
- More commonly available in US market
- Lower operating costs than Jet Provost
- Fouga CM.170 Magister
- French-built trainer (1952-1996)
- Market price range: $95,000-$175,000
- Distinctive V-tail design
- Similar fuel consumption
- Popular on airshow circuit
- Cessna T-37 Tweet
- American-built trainer (1955-1977)
- Market price range: $125,000-$200,000
- Twin-engine configuration
- Higher operating costs
- More complex systems
- Effective and highly armed Vietnam War attack aircraft
- PZL TS-11 Iskra
- Polish-built trainer (1960-1987)
- Market price range: $85,000-$150,000
- Similar performance to Jet Provost
- Less parts availability
- Smaller support network
- Hunting Jet Provost T3/T5
- Earlier/Later variants of same aircraft
- T3: $80,000-$120,000
- T5: $140,000-$190,000
- Similar maintenance requirements
- Different performance characteristics
Key Considerations When Comparing Classic Military Jet Aircraft:
• Operating Costs
• Parts Availability
• Maintenance Support Network
• Fuel Consumption
• Insurance Requirements
If this 1963 BAC Jet Provost T4 is still available, you’ll find it listed here at Tillsonburg Municipal Airport, Tillsonburg, ON
Here is a video of this Jet Provost at an airshow:
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