Two less than what carriers used to have onboard when they had decent sized airwings. Now if only the flyby had been at 200 feet and Mach 1+ 😀
By: Arabella-Cox - 12th March 2008 at 06:30
Sferrin, thanx for the URL for the video.
The Tomcat was retired because of the maintenance bill! It outlived the threat of its primary mission of stopping Soviet Naval Aviation. It already had a ARH missile, so it didn’t receive the AMRAAM even though the software for the missile was first verified on the F-14D!
While the GE engines improved its performance, in the end it was no longer effect in the WVR against fighters that have or were becoming operational, especially when you add HMDS/HOB missiles. None of these improvements were destined for F-14 due to a tightening budget.Adrian
I think everyone knows the Tomcat was expensive to operate. Yet, it still offered many performance advantages. Regardless, after the production was cut short on the F-14D. 😡 The writing was on the wall……..it just became more and more expensive to operate. Mainly, because the majority of the fleet was equipped with the much older F-14A/B Models. What is often overlooked is the F-14D had vastly better and was close to the Hornet in Maintanance Per Flight Hour. That said, the current fleet of Hornets and Super Hornets are doing a great job in the Strike Role. Which, will be replaced themselves. First by F-35 Lightnings and down the road likely by unmaned aircraft……..retirement and death comes to everything at some point. Clearly, the Tomcat had a Grand Career and has nothing to be ashamed of!:D
By: Adrian_44 - 12th March 2008 at 06:00
RE: Reload this Page Video of 22-plane Tomcat flyover.
Sferrin, thanx for the URL for the video.
The Tomcat was retired because of the maintenance bill! It outlived the threat of its primary mission of stopping Soviet Naval Aviation. It already had a ARH missile, so it didn’t receive the AMRAAM even though the software for the missile was first verified on the F-14D!
While the GE engines improved its performance, in the end it was no longer effect in the WVR against fighters that have or were becoming operational, especially when you add HMDS/HOB missiles. None of these improvements were destined for F-14 due to a tightening budget.
Adrian
By: Arabella-Cox - 29th February 2008 at 05:52
I’ve wondered why the Navy didn’t slap a pave spike in one of the front Sparrow wells. Even with the seperation issues and air to ground limited AWG-9, the F-14A could have been a good fair weather low or mid level PGM dropper. Certainly could have saved the Navy some embarassment during the Lebanon affair.
Just for your information the APG-71 Radar in the F-14D. Was part AWG-9 from early Tomcats and part APG-70 from the F-15E Strike Ealge………..Really, one of the most capable Radar pre-AESA.
By: Arabella-Cox - 29th February 2008 at 05:48
This is easily the fastest flyby I’ve ever seen. Tomcat of course.
Oh, I miss the TOMCAT!:diablo: Especially, the F-14B’s and D’s……….talk about turn and burn!!! I once saw a F-14A do a very low level demo at DARK and in the RAIN. I just couldn’t believe it………..if memory serve me it was flown by the CO of VF-101 GRIM REAPERS. They of course flew all three models of the venerable Tomcat. 😀
By: Arabella-Cox - 29th February 2008 at 05:42
I’ve wondered why the Navy didn’t slap a pave spike in one of the front Sparrow wells. Even with the seperation issues and air to ground limited AWG-9, the F-14A could have been a good fair weather low or mid level PGM dropper. Certainly could have saved the Navy some embarassment during the Lebanon affair.
The Navy did equip Tomcat with laser desigated pod on all models of the F-14. (i.e. A, B, and D) Grumman even proposed a Strike Version of the Tomcat. (Strike 21) It was a highly modified F-14D. Something very close to todays F-15E Strike Eagle I would say. The Navy of course turned them down and went with the Super Hornet. That said, in the end tha latter was likely the best choice. Though the larger platform of the Tomcat offered many advantages. (i.e. bigger radar, longer range, etc. etc.) Of course it had disadvantages too! Much more expensive to own and operate for example………..Regarless, it all history now.:rolleyes:
By: Ich Dien - 28th February 2008 at 07:45
This is easily the fastest flyby I’ve ever seen. Tomcat of course.
I’ve wondered why the Navy didn’t slap a pave spike in one of the front Sparrow wells. Even with the seperation issues and air to ground limited AWG-9, the F-14A could have been a good fair weather low or mid level PGM dropper. Certainly could have saved the Navy some embarassment during the Lebanon affair.
By: sferrin - 16th February 2008 at 15:18
This is easily the fastest flyby I’ve ever seen. Tomcat of course.
By: sealordlawrence - 16th February 2008 at 15:18
USN carrier air wings really have suffered post cold war, alot of the ASW capability has gone and they are now left with Hornets. If any service (post Cold War) should have had a Raptor it should have been the USN. A-12 got canned too. One only hopes they get the best out of JSF and continue to forge ahead with UCAV’s.
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February 16, 2008 at 3:14 pm