Brickhistory, indeed, but I bet the aggressor learning curve didn't include white ones on the rails!

Every time I see a new pic, it really does look like a rummage through Airfix's parts bin :ok: The earlier IAF Tomcat question, last I heard the ones that were still flying were being used in the AEW role as the radars outperformed indigenous products. Don't know if they were standard fit as per USN, though.

Thought I had seen this before,attacking Thunderbird 1

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...owhead-jet.jpg

Think the Iranians started exploring the Mixed Fighter Force concept in the 80s with the F-14 in the AEW role. As I understand it, the Persian Cats had the same AWG-9 radar system, though whether it and other sub systems were degraded by much over the US product, I don't know. Also never knew if they had the Phoenix though - somehow, I think not.

Looks as if the new wonder fighter has a tiny radar like its forebear, so the few -if any - serviceable Tomcats could have a useful future yet.

Conan

The did get Phoenix with the original order, although I doubt any missiles are useable. Thye would have been lifex years ago. They did however managed to retrofit their F14s with Hawk SAMs. I saw a photo of this configuration (lash up!) - it looked pretty bizarre!

It still appears to have guns in the nose. If I recall correctly the F-20 did not have an internal gun because the space was needed for a non-joke radar.