Tomcats in action

Whatever the outcome of the conflict one can already conclude that for now the winner is the F-14 Tomcat. Used at this very moment over the skies of Afghanistan as fighter-escort, reconnaissance (TARPS) or attackbomber with LGBs the F-14 stills shows that it is the most important aircraft on a carrier, possessing the long range the Hornet lacks.

On the Big E are stationned the VF-41 ‘Black aces’ and the VF-14 ‘Top Hatters’ wich use the old F-14A version expected to convert later this year to F-18E. The USS Vinson has the D-version on its deck. Can somebody tell me what version the USS Roosevelts operates ?

The A/B versions are already longer than 20 years in service. The current operations must demande very much of the old airframes of the Tomcats. Knowing the war against terrorisme will take many years I wonder if their is still a chance the productionlines of the F-14 will be re-opened. I fear not, the F-18E will probably take its place. I’m still waiting for the first announcement of the Bushadministration of a higher military budget. In our wildest dreams we can perhaps see brandnew production Tomcats role out of the Northrop-Grumman company maby with upgraded engines and avionics. Let us hope so.

Cancelling of the A-12A and the A-7F clearly shows the lack of a USN longrange attackaircraft. Hopefully ##### Cheney sees know what he has done.

Mark