Google buys a fighter plane

AK370Z · 11-09-2008, 12:41 PM

In Google’s offices in Mountain View, California, it is as though the financial crisis never happened. Business is booming, so much so that Larry Page and Sergey Brin, its billionaire founders, have decided to treat themselves to a new status symbol. Sports cars are a dime a dozen in California, and fancy yachts seem only to attract dull guests such as EU trade commissioners. So they’ve bought themselves a fighter plane.

The 600mph Dornier Alpha jet, currently being converted from military to civilian use here in Seattle, will live at Nasa’s Ames research centre, conveniently located just minutes from Google’s campus. It’ll speed up
those all-important business trips and provide a better adrenaline thrill than any Learjet.

For comfort, the Google twins have a couple of Boeings, a 757 and 767 – a refit of the latter attracted publicity when the interior designer was fired. The resulting rumpus gave a fascinating insight into Google-world. Included in the $10m (£6m) makeover was a pair of king-size beds, hammocks and a piano.

Currently the Google aircraft fleet, which also includes a couple of Gulfstream V jets, is worth more than $200m (£120m). That’s a bigger air force than that of Nepal or Albania. Google managed to secure runway rights from Nasa by promising to use the Alpha to carry out high-altitude atmospheric experiments for the space agency, in addition to paying a hefty $1.3m (£800,000) annual rent.

While Google is flying high, clouds are gathering over the rest of Silicon Valley.

Nearly a quarter of businesses surveyed here this month are planning to shed jobs - 10% of their workforce on average. Already Hewlett-Packard, the company that kickstarted Silicon Valley in the 1960s, has announced nearly 25,000 redundancies.

cow · 11-09-2008, 12:54 PM

I can has ride in fighter jet?

AK370Z · 11-09-2008, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cow

I can has ride in fighter jet?

you wish!

Dav · 11-09-2008, 04:00 PM

However, I think the've made the first mistake in a career of successes: they bought an horrific plane when they could have bought a Sukhoi or Mig from the russians (or one of your beautiful planes, if your governement would agree)

cow · 11-09-2008, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dav

However, I think the've made the first mistake in a career of successes: they bought an horrific plane when they could have bought a Sukhoi or Mig from the russians (or one of your beautiful planes, if your governement would agree)

Agreed.

AK370Z · 11-10-2008, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dav

However, I think the've made the first mistake in a career of successes: they bought an horrific plane when they could have bought a Sukhoi or Mig from the russians (or one of your beautiful planes, if your governement would agree)

You're into planes, huh? I just don't see why they need to buy a jet. I mean, c'mon I know they have money but this is too much..

motaboata · 11-10-2008, 10:11 AM

Crazyness!

Dav · 11-10-2008, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AK370Z

You're into planes, huh? I just don't see why they need to buy a jet. I mean, c'mon I know they have money but this is too much..

No, I'm not into planes.
Well, I agree with you. But if I had so much money to afford a plane, I think I'd buy one to reach the destinations I want without buying a ticket, waiting for my plane in a queue and so on.
For example, I think I would have taken my plane to reach L.A. the 19th november..

bandora · 11-10-2008, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dav

No, I'm not into planes.
Well, I agree with you. But if I had so much money to afford a plane, I think I'd buy one to reach the destinations I want without buying a ticket, waiting for my plane in a queue and so on.
For example, I think I would have taken my plane to reach L.A. the 19th november..

You're right but it doesn't have to be a fighter jet!

Are they going to bomb Microsoft now?

AK370Z · 11-10-2008, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dav

For example, I think I would have taken my plane to reach L.A. the 19th november..

that'll be pretty F'in awesome. Can you picture yourself landing in the LA Auto show from you own private Jet Fighter?

Now that's baller

Quote:

Originally Posted by bandora

You're right but it doesn't have to be a fighter jet!

Are they going to bomb Microsoft now?

I wouldn't be surprised. On the serious note, I can see Google coming out with it's own windows in very short year.

11-09-2008, 12:41 PM	#1 (permalink)
AK370Z Administrator Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: NJ Posts: 9,930 Drives: 09 370Z MB Sports M6 Rep Power: 10	Google buys a fighter plane In Google’s offices in Mountain View, California, it is as though the financial crisis never happened. Business is booming, so much so that Larry Page and Sergey Brin, its billionaire founders, have decided to treat themselves to a new status symbol. Sports cars are a dime a dozen in California, and fancy yachts seem only to attract dull guests such as EU trade commissioners. So they’ve bought themselves a fighter plane. The 600mph Dornier Alpha jet, currently being converted from military to civilian use here in Seattle, will live at Nasa’s Ames research centre, conveniently located just minutes from Google’s campus. It’ll speed up those all-important business trips and provide a better adrenaline thrill than any Learjet. For comfort, the Google twins have a couple of Boeings, a 757 and 767 – a refit of the latter attracted publicity when the interior designer was fired. The resulting rumpus gave a fascinating insight into Google-world. Included in the $10m (£6m) makeover was a pair of king-size beds, hammocks and a piano. Currently the Google aircraft fleet, which also includes a couple of Gulfstream V jets, is worth more than $200m (£120m). That’s a bigger air force than that of Nepal or Albania. Google managed to secure runway rights from Nasa by promising to use the Alpha to carry out high-altitude atmospheric experiments for the space agency, in addition to paying a hefty $1.3m (£800,000) annual rent. While Google is flying high, clouds are gathering over the rest of Silicon Valley. Nearly a quarter of businesses surveyed here this month are planning to shed jobs - 10% of their workforce on average. Already Hewlett-Packard, the company that kickstarted Silicon Valley in the 1960s, has announced nearly 25,000 redundancies. __________________ The370Z Signature Pictures ll Want to rock our forum decals on your car? Then click here! ll How to Embed YouTube Videos In a Post STOP! (Hammertime) ll Become a Premium Member Click HERE ll F.A.Q. Are You a Nissan Dealer? Click Here to Become A "Supporting Dealer" and Start Listing Your 370Zs In Our Inventory Section My Monterey Blue Z ll My Exhaust --> My Intake --> G3 Nissan's Official Response Regarding Oil Temp Issue: CLICK HERE Need a Set of Cheap Winter wheels /Tires? Then Visit The Banner Link Below and Place Your Order. You'll Help Keep The370Z Alive.

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