Sunday Aircraft Cheesecake (F-14 Tomcat)
After more than 30 years of distinguished service to the US Navy, the last two squadrons of F-14 Tomcats ended their final combat deployments about two weeks ago. A couple of nice articles about this milestone event can be found here and here.
Check out this nice tribute video, too:
Q: Why is this awesome war machine being retired without (according to many) an adequate replacement (the Super Hornet lacks the range and power of the F-14)?
A: Maintenance expenses and age (the two are related).
Check out this comment from a former jet mechanic, giving a hint of the issues he (and other mechs) would face. Note also his love for the plane:
Posted Thu 16 March 2006 16:17
Thu 16 March 2006 16:17
As a retired Jet Mech. (AD1), last serving with the Tophatters of VF-14 at NAS Oceana in 1995, I am left with a sentimental lump in my throat as an era of Naval Aviation comes to a close. As labor intensive as they were, it was a proud sight and feeling to witness the awesome vibration and thunder on the TF-30 turbofans as the throttles were advanced to zone five behind the JBD's. Call it a labor of love I supose but intense it was. It was a nightmare for the hazmat P.O. trying to keep up with the constant mess of leaking hydraulic fluid and JP-5 under the engines forward fixed cowlings. As physics would prove, anything that was that fast and could turn on a dime and endured massive G- forces would naturally leak fluid from somewhere. A chapter in Naval Aviation to be admired and cherished for many years to come. Good-bye my friend!!
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Posted by: yyapl at February 24, 2010 02:38 PM