Article

2015-03-02 Syria-Lebanon-Iran

Photos of World's last active service F-14 Tomcat jets overhauled in Iran

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Posted by Hupineger Glomomp52169 2015-03-02 00:00|| || Front Page|| [12 views ] Top

#1 The F-14 is such a forward looking AC that they are still quite effective. Their radar is something else. The IDF used F-14s as AWACS for their F-16s when they went after Syria a while back.

I bet the Navy would like to have them back given as how the breathtaking technological breakthroughs of the F-35 are so FUBAR.

Posted by Mystic 2015-03-02 01:40|| 2015-03-02 01:40|| Front Page Top

A total of 78 were sold to Iran in the early 1970's before trade was halted. Some estimates put the number of operationally ready (OR) rate today, at less than a dozen.

Posted by Besoeker 2015-03-02 02:52|| 2015-03-02 02:52|| Front Page Top

#3 The Tomcat was great airplane because a) its powerful radar allowing it to see much farther than the enemy b) its very long range missiles c) the Navy pilots provided it had d) the more powerful engines used in the F14-B and F14-D

Now the Iranaian Tomacats a) don't have that radar. b) don't have those missiles c) don't have US Navy pilots and d) have the anemic engines of the F14-A

Posted by JFM 2015-03-02 05:05|| 2015-03-02 05:05|| Front Page Top

#4 JFM - also required but lacking in the Iranian Tomcats - spare parts and diligent ground crews.

Posted by Glenmore 2015-03-02 08:41|| 2015-03-02 08:41|| Front Page Top

#5 Note that there are no pictures of them actually flying.

Posted by DoDo 2015-03-02 10:45|| 2015-03-02 10:45|| Front Page Top

#6 But the Tomcat is so much more beautiful than the Eagle, the Hornet, the Viper or the Raptor.

Posted by JFM 2015-03-02 11:25|| 2015-03-02 11:25|| Front Page Top

#7 Especially when Maverick is in control. Great balls of Fire.

Posted by illeagle 2015-03-02 12:24|| 2015-03-02 12:24|| Front Page Top

#8 I have a Tomcat jookplint on my desk doing daily bookend duty. Amazing how many peole ask what it is and then don't believe how that little 3 lb chunk of steel can stop an airplane

Posted by USN, Ret. 2015-03-02 20:14|| 2015-03-02 20:14|| Front Page Top

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