I dont think Gaijin is willing to introduce late AIM-9M variants anytime soon so prob current M4
1 Like
Fingers crossed they start correctly labeling stuff and adding other variants (cough rename the Aim-9J/Ps and Namer 30 → Namer RCWS-30) since other very similar variants exist that go by pretty much the same names.
To my understanding, these excerpts showed the computer system was capable of storing, launching, and communicating the AIM-120s via radar as if the computer was already 100% updated with this software modification for the AIM-120 integration, right?
So, the issue was that the Navy decided to update the F-14D’s computer system to give itself the ability to carry JDAMs as part of LANTIRN integration. Ultimately, that software update was pushed to the fleet F-14D in service, and the AIM-120 integration was thrown out of the window. It was deemed not worth the money to upgrade the entire fleet of F-14Ds with the newer missiles that would be retiring soon from the service anyway because, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, their role had shifted away from being the Cold War interceptor aircraft to being a counterinsurgency aircraft over the Middle East. Therefore, the Navy wanted to put their F-14Ds in use doing something other than the interceptor role during their last years instead of being a deadweight and doing nothing on the flight deck.
My conclusion. The F-14D IRL could not use the AIM-120s but could use the precise munitions due to the Navy’s decision influenced by the shifting geopolitics in the 1990s. The Navy could only choose one of the two options: AIM-120 or LANTIRN integration. However, we can argue that the F-14D in War Thunder should equip the AIM-120s because these options were planned and considered. With that document you shared, this should be sufficient to prove it is possible for the F-14D because the mission computer system and radar are both fully capable of firing and guiding the AIM-120s when it is chosen to be updated this way. All it takes is to update the software on the F-14D’s computer. Boom, you can launch and guide the AIM-120s, but this was decided not to be pursued by the Navy.
I agree with you, and I hope to see the F-14D come especially with the AIM-120 in War Thunder.
I’d say that AIM-120 integration was successful irl at least software wise. Physical capability was proven to be possible but due to F-14 platform being phased out of service it was never fully done operationally.
That being said F-14D in WT should receive these missiles together with VTAS HMS to give it extra edge in FOX3 environment.
2 Likes
VTAS was never used on the F-14 though, only the F-4S
It was used just never got put into regular units
3 Likes
There are relatively few cases where I’d be more alright with Gaijin going just a tad ahistorical/semi-historical with weaponry/equipment, like giving an aircraft missiles and an HMD it didn’t actively use.
This would be one of those times, just due to the nature of the F-14D. It’s the LAST Tomcat, and by far the most advanced. If it only gets Sparrow, Phoenix, and 9M, not a whole lot of people are going to want to play it over the F-14B and F-14A (which are both at a lower BR), especially if it gets almost nothing over the Bravo Tomcat.
There are a few other aircraft (that haven’t been added yet or currently are in-game) that I’d want Gaijin to do this to as well, but that’s neither here nor there lol
1 Like
The only selling point in that case would be AIM-9M and IRST which isnt at all revolutional. I myself would prob enjoy F-14A IRIAF more simply due to missiles it carries which are hella fun to use.
Evidence supporting AIM-120 should be more than enough for Gaijin to introduce these missiles to F-14D. Same with HMS (VTAS-II) which proven to be suitable and compatible with F-14 platform. Combining these 2 features together would give us an actual interesting variant representing the peak performance of F-14 platform.
3 Likes
Absolutely
I’m honestly pretty excited for the F-14D, even moreso if it gets these changes
Yes. I want one more tomcot cause why not?
1 Like
All I can find is a study on how it could be installed on an F-14A, not that it was ever done. And that was two decades before the F-14D entered service.
Unless you have some other source?
1 Like
Nothing hard-proving on hand. I’ve never got much into VTAS development, I just know it was successfully tested on F-15 and F-14 during ACEVAL/AIMVAL. From quick search:
3 Likes
Interesting, still, it wouldn’t be enough for Gaijin. At best the HMS could be reported for the F-14A but there would need to be some better sources.
The F-14A and D are very different beasts and don’t really share a whole lot in common besides the basic airframe.
Not denying that but I still hope it happens. At this point AIM-120 is what really matters for us and VTAS II would only be an extra edge for the jet.
1 Like
you forgot the jolly rogers skin!
I don’t think the Jolly Rogers squadron had historically operated the F-14D or F-14D(R) last time I checked. No Jolly Rogers skin, unfortunately. Most likely, someone would make a semi-historical skin of it for the F-14D via loot boxes.
they flew A’s And B’s my bad
2 Likes
can actually take 8 amraams as the underwing pylons could be turned into dual racks for 120s
2 Likes