The problem with F-14D and the AMRAAMs is that it doesn’t need them, if they add AIM-54C/ECCM (sealed) and if they fix Phoenix in general.
First versions of AMRAAM were not something like AIM-120Cs and Ds … They were fit to replace Sparrows, but that’s that. Sure they were more agile than a Phoenix, but that’s not the case…Imagine , i actual war, Iran Iraq war, even the first iterration of Phoenix was a capable weapon. The last iterration of Phoenix had components/ technology used in AMRAAMs and it was ECCM/chaff resistant as well.
Also, the D version’s APG-71 supposed to be the best Doppler radar USA has done, surpassed only by F-22s when they were both active which AN/APG-77 still is (20 years + after) the best radar for A-A , with APG-81 being the best as a package , better functioning ,reliability, multi-modes etc., but doesn’t have the power and the range and the JAMMING power of APG-77’s…which are key parts in A-A. Moreover, APG-81 is allowed for export…APG-77 is not. That says many more things.
If anything , APG-71 was stronger than even F/A-18Es APG-79… double the range and Jamming power and that’s half its strengh , with its full strengh being abled only when data-linked with another APG-71 and was limited by it’s antenna’s size.
One of the roles those Tomcats worked was as mini-AWACS.
So, i’m not talking multi-functioning or reliability or maintenance her. Just pure capability/strengh for A-A (sure APG-79 is a better package).
But , that’s the thing … you get a Doppler that rivals AESAs, you get missiles that tripple the range of whatever you see now in game + they shouldn’t be notchable and have sea-skimming capabilities (which even C in game should have) . In excersises pilot’s say they were super accurate and simply insanely hard to compete against them 54s. That’s not the case in game. And before someone says about excercises , the ECM/ECCM are real, maybe the realest thing in excercises (yes i know from experience, in the ground though.) . That means , if not reliability/maintenance faults of the missile …it will KEAL .
In any case, in every AMA and discussion and interviews with pilots, they say F-14D/AIM-54 (latest iterration) any day over the F/A-18E/AMRAAM of the same era . F/A-18E/F at full capacity with current (2025) weapons … is better of course. But in game you see 120A/B /R-77-1/ MICA EM… So that’s that.
And i understand why AIM-54s are nerfed. Because you’ll need at least 10 years newer armament than their retirement to actually be in the same levels.
IMO D models should gets all available weapons irl, except AMRAAMs.
AIM-9M-8, AIM-7P, AIM-54C+
Then what’s the point? You know they aren’t going to buff the Aim-54s. Why don’t you want the F-14s to be competitive?
Hard to say that having an AIM-54s with ECCM aren’t competitive.
Also, AIM-9M-8 is basically AIM-9M with ways better IRCCMs.
Unless they fix the seeker being head-on only, it means literally nothing. It’ll just lose lock whenever someone runs away. It’s best weapon without the AMRAAM would be the Aim-7P Block II, which is basically a slower ER.
I’m aware, but that’s not new, or even exclusive to the F-14s. That will be added to all planes that can carry the Aim-9M/X.
We’re in an Aim-120 meta and the Phoenixes 17G pull, horrible acceleration, and nerfed ballistics will make it even more useless at a higher BR without AMRAAMs. Plus, what’s the reason to not add them? The F-14D was fully capable outside a single PDU software push. The F-14D’s manual literally states it’s programed with the Aim-120 in its radar.
Imo, something doesn’t have to be “competitive” to be added.
The tomcats being cool as fuck is reason enough. (As if a glass cockpit, digital avionics, IRST, and a better radar were not reason enough)
I know it doesn’t have to be competitive. What I’m saying is I want it to be competitive, and personally I feel like everyone who wants the best for the Tomcat should want that too. Because realistically, there’s nothing after this. This is the end of the road for the Tomcat, unfortunately.
Maybe some people would like to play all variants ?
You can’t have something better every single update.
Every time I see ‘F-14 need AIM-120’ replies in the forum
‘I refuse to cry (in public) about this, though, because the Tomcat had the Phoenix. Why would we want a Diet Phoenix, too?’
I have always been reminded of this quote from deep memories…
As long as Congress never paid money for integrating AIM-120 to F-14 IRL…
If you want AIM-120 on a USN plane, Fly Hornet. Simple.
Anyway, I would be fine if F-14D comes out.
The answer for the nerfed Phoenix is fix the Phoenix as it should be, not AIM-120. They are different class of missiles anyway.
One is Long range, the other is Mid range.
GJ balances Long range with nerf everything else.
I prefer the missile as it should be and overtier the plane, than downtier the plane but with fkd up missiles.
Interesting to see but probably never going to see considering that there were two companies competing for design and development was cancelled in 92.
Guess we’ll wait for the Superhornet with AIM-174 though.
why not? Close out the F-14 with the legend, give it the “tested” AMRAAM and make it 13.7, done.
still waiting one day :(