PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Farewell to the F-14 Tomcat
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Old 30th May 2006, 09:00
  #11 (permalink)  
Not_a_boffin
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Portsmouth
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Most of the Tomcat squadrons are converting to either Hornet E or F variants, the last is VF31 which stands down in September (already done its last Tomcat cruise).

Squirrel is correct, the CVW of the future is hooching with F/A18 C/D, F/A18 E/F and eventually F35C (to replace some of the 18 C/D squadrons). There is a programme to procure an EF18G "Growler" to replace the EA6B Prowlers and the E2 will go on for ever. Their real problem is that nothing is being put in place to replace the S3 Viking, which means that fairly soon, they'll be in the ludicrous position of using short-legged F18s to tank similarly short legged F18s. Since the A6s and Tomcats have gone, the "legs " of a CVW have shortened considerably.

When you think what they could have had if they'd based the Tomcat 21 costings on the D model, rather than the A model, it makes you weep.....
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