gaepps- The D is an incredible airplane the way it is but the "good stuff"
like
upgrades to radar and such aren't what's killing it as much as a lack
of spares of the little stuff like valves, relays and widgets. BRBR

Incredible compared to the F-14A, but here in 2004, it is miles behind other
aircraft of the day, both US and 'other'.

Like I have said, it should have been the F-14E, back in the 80's when Reagan
$$ was a flowin'. It languished, became stale. The 'D' is better but a
compromise from day one. When at VX-4, in the late
80's, I saw the 'D' at VX-4, also saw a brief about the F-15E. Embarassing when
you compare the two.
P. C. Chisholm
CDR, USN(ret.)
Old Phart Phormer Phantom, Turkey, Viper, Scooter and Combat Buckeye Phlyer