ddranidis
commented
9 months ago The DB3000 already has several loadouts with 6x AIM-54C (10584, 10583, 10582, 10588, 10587, 10586, 10585) but they are not currently assigned to any of the F-14 variants.
Open GavinP872 opened 9 months ago
ddranidis
commented
9 months ago The DB3000 already has several loadouts with 6x AIM-54C (10584, 10583, 10582, 10588, 10587, 10586, 10585) but they are not currently assigned to any of the F-14 variants.
DB Selector
DB3K
User(s)
USN F-14A 1990
Weapons Carried
-6x AIM-54C Phoenix -2x AIM-9M Sidewinder -2x 267 USG Drop Tank
Requires Buddy Illumination
No
Default Combat Radius (nm)
1300 (the 1977 SAC with AIM-54As and no AIM-9s gives the Aircraft 1375NMs of range)
Weather Restrictions
All-Weather
Time-of-Day Restrictions
Day & Night
Capable of Quick Turnaround
Yes
Comments
I am aware there is controversy regarding the utility/practicality of this loadout and if it was/would have been used. However, I am trying to create scenarios replicating the outer air battle studies done in the early 1980s and require a "Doomsday" loadout consisting of AIM-54Cs. I have linked sources addressing the ability of the F-14 to carry such a loadout and recover with it. I understand the reporting source is far from academic, but it is simply repeating the words of three different aircrews, which is in my mind acceptable enough evidence. To say nothing of the original design specifications. Based upon conversations with aircrew and others, it was certainly a "break glass in case of war" loadout, and not all that practical for MIDCAP aircraft. However, this loadout would be very useful for DLI aircraft and possibly Chainsaw aircraft (which is what I am hoping to examine). I understand much of the controversy stems from the ability of the F-14s to return to mother with this loadout, however, as shown in the sources below it was possible (it should be noted that Chainsaw F-14s were already expected to be returning "trick or treat" thus making concerns about being "trick or treat" with Six Phoenix's somewhat redundant). As for Magazine, Training, Kinematic, etc. limitations often presented, I feel these are all tradeoffs that should be dealt with in-game (as in the designer putting limitations on the player) rather than effectively hardcoded by restricted loadouts.
Understandably, this still might not be acceptable, so I would still appreciate an effort to add this loadout in some way using the "hypothetical" platforms or maybe giving the [USN "Crazy Bob" F-14A 1986] the ability to carry six AIM-54Cs.
Sources
Two Articles: https://theaviationgeekclub.com/us-navy-f-14-crew-members-explain-how-you-could-land-a-tomcat-with-a-full-load-of-six-aim-54-phoenix-missiles-on-the-aircraft-carrier/
https://theaviationgeekclub.com/us-navy-f-14-pilot-recalls-landing-a-tomcat-with-a-full-load-of-six-aim-54-phoenix-missiles-on-the-aircraft-carrier/
Spoken Word Sources: It [the 6 Phoenix loadout] was unusual because by the early 80s, it was deemed impractical at sea because the Soviets weren't flying formations conducive to launching of 6 Phoenix. The Tomcat could launch and recover with 6 Phoenix.
"Flew with 6 many times while I was AIM-54C test director for OPEVAL. Plane had no problem coming back to the ship with a full load - but you were trick or treat on the ball"