This might seem crazy but bear with me......?

Question

Is it legal in the United states to construct thier own warship? I just had a crazy idea of say Bill Gates or some fabously welathy type deciding to do something of that nature, woud it be legal? Like I said a crazy idea. Bill Gates with a Destroyer or a Aircraft Carrier.

It is illegal to own certain types of weapons that is true. But if a private citizen wants to build something what stops him?
the 2nd ammendment is a good argument.

Answer 1

If it has weapons then it would be illegal. If not every person with a speedboat would attach a gun mount or turret to theirs.

Rappers often have cars with secret compartments and those cars get confiscated because it is illegal to do that in certain places.

Answer 2

LotA, maybe you aren't familiar with a document called the Bill of Rights, but the 2nd amendment to the Constitution guarantees the right to own a firearm.

So no, it's not illegal owning a gun. If Bill Gates suddenly became a huge military history buff and decided to build a perfect functioning replica of a carrier or something, he could theoretically do it. He would just need to work through a lot of red tape and licensing certification with the BATF. In case you need further proof, just Google the USS Intrepid, a privately owned WWII Aircraft Carrier, now used as a museum.

Answer 3

It's not really a crazy idea. Many other people have thought about this before with other celebrity types as well. People who have this type of monetary liquid or net worth sometimes put in ideas to the US military, but, most of the time are turned down because there are people who everyday think of the top technology that can be used for battleships and cruisers. Besides, as wealthy as many celebrities are, many do not have the cash to put in a bid for a vessel of such magnitude. The least expensive cruiser to date is $410million. Many aircraft carriers tip into the five billion dollar range and even higher sometimes, depending on the equipment that is housed and used on board.
The military prefers those who know their field and don't go around making movies. Believe, the government always has money coming in, so building ships of this nature are always going to be supported.

Answer 4

Building it would be legal. But arming it with modern naval weapons would be illegal under ATF regulations and Federal laws proscribing citizens from owning military-grade weaponry. Merely attempting to obtain the weapons would probably constitute a felony conspiracy violation.

Answer 5

Yeah it would be illegal. I can't say exactly which laws it'd be violating but think of it like this:

Theres no good reason for a "rich person" to have a battle ship. Secondly, once people have power god knows what they'll do with it.

It's illegal enough owning a gun, imagine trying to pass off owning an entire 300 yard long solid steel battle cruiser with cannons and missile launchers. Good luck.

Answer 6

Basically no. There are moratoriums on private ownership. Its not impossible though, but there are quite a few restricitions and you are monitored strictly to make sure you adhere to the rules. Concievabley, you can buy an F16, but it would be less everything that would make it suitable for war, and you would be restricted to how far you can fly (100 miles?).

Answer 7

It depends on if you think there should be restrictions to the 2nd amendment. I think there should be. And those should definitely be restricted (they are now)

Answer 8

it would be fine as long as there was no type of weaponry on board the vessel.