Typhoon502 wrote:
None of those really solves the problem of cost and difficulty of
maintenance, though. The only thing a Super Bug really gives up is a
long-range missile, but Phoenix was aging and an extended-range AIM-120
variant could probably be cobbled together in short order if it was
really called for. On the other hand, it should be easier to keep more
Super Bugs in the air over an extended period of time with less
manpower exerted per airframe to make that happen, and if the internal
fuel tankage isn't what the Tomcat could muster, the Super Bug can at
least carry more external fuel stores without sacrificing missile
capability (five tanks, two Sidewinders, and six AMRAAMs with two on
the fuselage and four on dual-rails under the outer wing pylons).
Tomcats couldn't even shoot AIM-120.


but the ASF-14 would've been a new plane, able to carry the
AAAM (Phoenix replacement) AMRAAMs, ASRAAMs, would have had thrust
vectoring for more manuverability. And if they really wanted to
compete, could've added canards for extra agility. the "Tomcat II" as
I shall call it, even without canards, would've been able to hold its
own against knife-fighters such as the Fulcrum (Mig-29) and its
advanced decentands (Mig-33 Super Fulcrum?) with the ASF-14 having
thrust-vectoring +ASRAAM --- it would actually manuver much better than
the Super Hornet.

of course, I am thinking about a continuing of the Reagan-build-up to
crush the Soviets and defend 20-24 Super Carriers (we reached 15 or
16 with Reagan) against waves of Tu-160 Blackjacks (almost a clone of
the original B-1A) hauling super-sonic cruise anti-ship
carrier-obliterating missiles that could devastate our battle-groups by
possibily overwelming the Aegis systems.

ASF-14 with ATF-engines + the VERY long range AAAM (longer the
Phoenix) could've dealt with ANY air threat, including Soviet bombers
from a few thousand miles away before they got within anti-ship
cruise-missile range of the battle group. and deal with more
manuverable targets at the same time. so unlike original F-14 family
that dates back to the 1960s/1960s, we have a multi-role air-to-air
FIGHTER.

ok i'm getting carried away here but......