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