Entrepreneur and pilot Jared Isaacman, founder of the U.S. fighter jet supplier Draken International, bought a fourth-generation Soviet MiG-29UB jet fighter and shared his impressions of the aircraft.
Isaacman acquired the training and combat version of the MiG-29 Fulcrum, according to NATO classification—from the collection of Paul Allen, founder of Microsoft, who died in 2018.
In 2019, Isaacman sold his stake in Draken International for tens of millions of dollars.
“What do you do when you are a stunning success, but are no longer the CEO of the world’s largest private air force? You buy the world’s nicest MiG-29 Fulcrum as a personal jet, that’s what!,” writes The Drive.
Isaacman explained that his experience in the fighter jet industry, he managed to “detect a jewel” that will be of his personal use. But the pilot also plans to bring his MiG-29 to the air shows “so others can see the performance of this unique bird.”
“It’s really incredible. Tons of performance. It’s always flown slick, no tanks or pylons, and the temperatures are quite cold in Bozeman this time of year. An AB takeoff is a real rocketship. The stability augmentation system makes it a real smooth ride also.
It’s definitely the most impressive aircraft I have flown.
Isaacman commented.