Bill writes- I have a friend (golfing buddy) who was a engineer back in the
beginning
phase of the F-14. I mentioned that I had notice on this NG that it
was referred to as the Turkey. He wasn't happy with that a said it was
no Turkey, great plane. What is the origin of the nick name? I believe
it is an affectionate and not a derogatory name, true? BRBR

I answer-I guess it depends on the pilot/RIO as to whether it was a 'turkey' or
a 'Turkey'. It looks like a big bird trying to land, from the front, with
everything hanging out.
Altho great legs around the boat, I really didn't like it in the 1200 hours I
flew it. VERY complicated, very hard to maintain, tough around small decks,
deployed with only 9 jets on small decks cuz they had Hoovers. That meant
running out of jets during a normal 8 event day was 'normal'.
So I think it was a turkey. Not surprised the engineer liked it, but he didn't
have to cruise with it.
I enjoyed the F-4 much more, both around the boat and not. Better availability
and with the 1527 mod, slats, Awg-10B, smokeless engines, pretty nice jet when
the radar was working. AND the shoulder patch looked better(2300 hours in the
F-4).
P. C. Chisholm
CDR, USN(ret.)
Old Phart Phormer Phantom, Turkey, Viper, Scooter and Combat Buckeye Phlyer