Okay if it plays okay this video is a tribute to one of our best fighter jets we had in the Navy, unfortunately it is retiring this September. It is finally being replaced with the F/A 18, and another new jet coming out soon.

A brief history on me, I worked on this jet when in the Navy as an Avation Firecontrol Technician, AQ for short. I worked on the Weapons delivery systems, radar, onboard computers, HUD display system, and other things I can't mention due to security, and clearance reasons.

The squadrons I worked on the components were: VF-142,VF-84,VF-102, and VF-33.
I also worked on the old A- jets that got phased out when I was in the Navy, of these squadrons I worked on VA-46, VA-72,VA-115
All went to F/A 18's and became VFA squadrons.

I also worked on the F/A 18's of these squadrons till I got out.
I also did other work for the Navy that can't be mentioned at all.

But this is for the F-14 Tomcats that are retiring this September,
please remember these planes as they did their jobs of protecting this country for quite a few years and remember the men who piloted them.
Here is the link, if it works you will see the video without havint to log on to military.com

http://images.military.com/Video/Tomcattribuite.WMV

quote:Originally posted by Vulcan

Okay if it plays okay this video is a tribute to one of our best fighter jets we had in the Navy, unfortunately it is retiring this September. It is finally being replaced with the F/A 18, and another new jet coming out soon.

A brief history on me, I worked on this jet when in the Navy as an Avation Firecontrol Technician, AQ for short. I worked on the Weapons delivery systems, radar, onboard computers, HUD display system, and other things I can't mention due to security, and clearance reasons.

The squadrons I worked on the components were: VF-142,VF-84,VF-102, and VF-33.
I also worked on the old A- jets that got phased out when I was in the Navy, of these squadrons I worked on VA-46, VA-72,VA-115
All went to F/A 18's and became VFA squadrons.

I also worked on the F/A 18's of these squadrons till I got out.
I also did other work for the Navy that can't be mentioned at all.

But this is for the F-14 Tomcats that are retiring this September,
please remember these planes as they did their jobs of protecting this country for quite a few years and remember the men who piloted them.
Here is the link, if it works you will see the video without havint to log on to military.com

http://images.military.com/Video/Tomcattribuite.WMV


Yes, these jets did their job, and did it well. I remember when I was 18 and enlisting. I was going for fighter pilot, but was disappointed to learn we had no F-14s. When I was involved with SAR, I was taken on a ride in one. I'll never forget the rush, or the fun.

Thank you... for the link, and the memories...

And who can ever forget the movie Top Gun <grin>

quote:Originally posted by Coke

And who can ever forget the movie Top Gun <grin>


I feel the need....the need for Speed!!!!

Yes, what an aircraft she was! I'm retired navy and worked on F-14's as an AMH, Airframes and structures. I was in VF-161 based in Yokusaka Japan on-board the now retired USS Midway. We decommissioned and transitioned to FA-18's in 1986 and formed VFA-161. The FA-18 is an incredible aircraft as well, but she could never fully replace the Tomcat. While the Hornet does many things well, the Tomcat had no equal as a long range interceptor. From what my pilots told me, the FA-18 had the same acceleration as the Tomcat up to mach 1, but after that the Tomcat was far Superior. I think many people would be surprised how huge an aircraft it was if they seen it up close. Thanks for bringing back memories. I left a lot of my blood, sweat, and tears in that aircraft. Being an AQ, I know you did too.

quote:Originally posted by Huntster

Yes, what an aircraft she was! I'm retired navy and worked on F-14's as an AMH, Airframes and structures. I was in VF-161 based in Yokusaka Japan on-board the now retired USS Midway. We decommissioned and transitioned to FA-18's in 1986 and formed VFA-161. The FA-18 is an incredible aircraft as well, but she could never fully replace the Tomcat. While the Hornet does many things well, the Tomcat had no equal as a long range interceptor. From what my pilots told me, the FA-18 had the same acceleration as the Tomcat up to mach 1, but after that the Tomcat was far Superior. I think many people would be surprised how huge an aircraft it was if they seen it up close. Thanks for bringing back memories. I left a lot of my blood, sweat, and tears in that aircraft. Being an AQ, I know you did too.


Hmm if they are retiring, I must buy one

I wonder.... Tomcat vs the ISS. I'd win [:D]

That is because the F-22 Raptor is taking over, after something along the lines of 2-7 billion in research and development over a period of approximately 10-years, they are now recently ready for fleet deployment on a package deal involving approximately 4,000 aircraft (not all F-22’s form how I understood it) at a cost of about 350 billion dollars, an F-22 costs about twice as much as any other aircraft. This is what pisses me about our government spending, meanwhile they keep trimming back on schools and education and implementing these ridiculous taxes and fines to cover all these extra costs.

We don’t even need these fanciful F-22’s our existing line of jets and stealth’s are proven very war worthy and dependable. Not to mention all the new ground technologies they are developing now. And if they made this jet public god only knows what kind of funky stuff is hidden safe within the confines A51, anyways probably makes the F-22 look like a tinker toy! Not to take away from the intent of your topic, just really, really chaps by Butt, regarding these new jets. I keep saying by the time we get to F-26's we will not have anybody smart enough to fly them so we will have to hire pilots from Japan, Korea, and China to fly them for us, LMAO! [:P]

If I remember correctly, the F-22 isn't going to be used by the Navy- it will be the Joint Strike Fighter that they will get.
They're also going to be retiring the EA-6 Prowlers and replacing them with modified F-18's (called the Growler of all things).
From what I read on Boeing's website, the EF-18 has over 2 miles of cable in it. I must say though- the F-14 was a masterpiece.
No other modern fighter jet has inspired so many people. Heck, look at the robotech ships-- basically an F-14 that can turn into a robot. :>

By the time the F-26 rolls out the planes will fly themselves or via computer-aided remote interface.
Humans are rapidly becoming obsolete tactical issues.

Well that is true as well and is very likely to happen sooner then we probably would like to admit to. Actually it already is to a point, somewhat, via drones, GPS/laser guiding systems, and such. I saw one documentary that was showing the tests of a prototype and it is accurate within to within a few feet from about 12-miles out, it tracks and updates as the target during the flight so if the target is moving will still tag it.

As well, they are using these advanced missiles that break into smaller missiles about 30-60 feet above the target so it disburses the actual impact zone evenly throughout a much larger area of the target, rather then a pinpointed area within the target. Also, there is a machine gun and handgun that operates off of an electrical charge has no moving parts at all, does not have issues with overheating, friction, dirt, water, nothing. I assume EMP would effect them in a negative manner, maybe though it has some type of shielding though? The program made no mention of this obvious issue, (so that is why I think that, seemed a way to keep it on the down low.) The machine gun version can launch over 1-million rounds with a few minutes time, it is absolutely unreal. . They also went into remote controlled robotics and the like, that worries me though. Takes the emotion out of the war, before you realize it we humans ourselves will begin to operate and react in a "robotic" capacity, hence without forethought of emotional consideration as to the implications of war itself. [V]

...Now that I think about it though, this does explain the thought process of Bush... somewhat anyways.

quote:Originally posted by RexxCrow

That is because the F-22 Raptor is taking over, after something along the lines of 2-7 billion in research and development over a period of approximately 10-years, they are now recently ready for fleet deployment on a package deal involving approximately 4,000 aircraft (not all F-22’s form how I understood it) at a cost of about 350 billion dollars, an F-22 costs about twice as much as any other aircraft. This is what pisses me about our government spending, meanwhile they keep trimming back on schools and education and implementing these ridiculous taxes and fines to cover all these extra costs.


We don’t even need these fanciful F-22’s our existing line of jets and stealth’s are proven very war worthy and dependable. Not to mention all the new ground technologies they are developing now. And if they made this jet public god only knows what kind of funky stuff is hidden safe within the confines A51, anyways probably makes the F-22 look like a tinker toy! Not to take away from the intent of your topic, just really, really chaps by Butt, regarding these new jets. I keep saying by the time we get to F-26's we will not have anybody smart enough to fly them so we will have to hire pilots from Japan, Korea, and China to fly them for us, LMAO! [:P]

Heh, the Raptors never were Navy, they are Airforce only, and Oso is right partially on the joint strike fighter, these will go to all aviation branches that use planes and jets, but the Navy has another one for the replacement of the Tomcats, they will be available in 2 to 3 years.

Also, thanks to all for the replies to this thread on such a wonderful aircraft, if anyone is from VF-33, does the F-14 painting still hang in the offices of the Squadron? Just curious, cause it was painted by Steve Mugett, one of my freinds in that squadron.

Although, let us not forget that the Air Force can’t operate without the leadership, guidance, and assistance of the Navy; of course they would never admit to this of course… and asking them, oh well if you do you will never have to worry about making another mistake for the rest of your well, let’s just say “your short life” again. [:P]

laff, sure they can but I don't think the Air Force can float too well like us squids [:P]

... made me wonder how many TW players have a military background.

Vulcan, a news article you will enjoy reading.

http://www.military.com/features/0,1524 ... =navy-a.nl

No, the F-22 could never land on a carrier, no arresting gear. The Navy has been building Super Hornets for the last 10 years and now building electronic counter-measure Hornets. The advantages of having nothing but Hornets in an airwing just for the logistics alone is self evident.

While unmanned fighters are probably the future, I don't think I'm ready yet to trust a "nuke taxi" to a remote control button.

Concerning EMP, all modern military aircraft are built with EMP in mind and are designed to resist it. One of the things I worked a lot of hours on was maintaining and/or repairing the EMP strips which were designed to deflect a pulse. But it has never been tested in combat, and hopefully never will.

Good question... I wonder how many TW players come from kmilitary backgrounds?