US's Most Capable Fighter Makes 12 MiG Planes Back Down Without Firing a Shot

Автокөліктер мен көлік құралдары

The initial conflict to expel the Iraqi troops from Kuwait began with an aerial and naval bombardment on January 17, 1991. Some of the first American aircraft to fly over the Iraqi skies that morning were four F-14 Tomcats from United States Navy Strike Fighter Squadron 32.
The Tomcat pilots had strict orders to stay with their strike team to protect electronic warfare and other aircraft at all costs instead of chasing and engaging enemy aircraft.
But when 12 airborne enemy aircraft approached the formation, the American pilots had to think fast.
It was the very first day of Operation Desert Storm, and what the dozen Iraqi fighters did next took everyone by surprise…
---
Join Dark Skies as we explore the world of aviation with cinematic short documentaries featuring the biggest and fastest airplanes ever built, top-secret military projects, and classified missions with hidden untold true stories. Including US, German, and Soviet warplanes, along with aircraft developments that took place during World War I, World War 2, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, the Gulf War, and special operations mission in between.
As images and footage of actual events are not always available, Dark Skies sometimes utilizes similar historical images and footage for dramatic effect and soundtracks for emotional impact. We do our best to keep it as visually accurate as possible.
All content on Dark Skies is researched, produced, and presented in historical context for educational purposes. We are history enthusiasts and are not always experts in some areas, so please don't hesitate to reach out to us with corrections, additional information, or new ideas.

Пікірлер: 694

  • @clintonreisig
    @clintonreisig Жыл бұрын

    F-14 had a top speed which is still nearly the fastest fighter among today's fighters. Fast, very long range, tremendous loadout ... what a fighter!

  • @manofchaitea6904

    @manofchaitea6904

    9 ай бұрын

    Its top speed was actually mach 2.5, same as the F15 but the navy limited it to mach 2.34

  • @user-ex4si2md6r

    @user-ex4si2md6r

    7 ай бұрын

    There is an old expression amung fighter pilots....."When everything goes wrong......a Grumman will get you home."

  • @ecleveland1

    @ecleveland1

    6 ай бұрын

    Even with all the new variants of the F-35 and the Super Hornets the US Navy doesn’t have the capacity or capability that the F-14 provided. The F-14 was deemed to expensive to operate minus the Cold War and the loss of the Soviet bomber threat.

  • @user-ex4si2md6r

    @user-ex4si2md6r

    6 ай бұрын

    @@ecleveland1 stealth is what the united states'is looking for.

  • @allenallen5005
    @allenallen5005 Жыл бұрын

    The F-14 Tomcat is one of the most beautiful aircraft ever built.

  • @vernonhurley1300

    @vernonhurley1300

    Жыл бұрын

    Just behind the P51 mustang D for me. Not sure where the SR71 fits its so beautiful as well.

  • @roblees6554

    @roblees6554

    Жыл бұрын

    The Avro Arrow with it's Iroquois engines could do mach 2 in the 1950's it was the best fighter and looking plane, for some reason it was scrapped, perhaps the Americans did not want Canada with the best fighter plane

  • @pjoneal12

    @pjoneal12

    Жыл бұрын

    "one of"? Lol. Too true, too true...

  • @aediasnaini4918

    @aediasnaini4918

    11 ай бұрын

    For me mig23 flip wing is the most beatiful

  • @allenallen5005

    @allenallen5005

    11 ай бұрын

    @@aediasnaini4918 opinions vary. Lol

  • @Mdolfinfan77
    @Mdolfinfan77 Жыл бұрын

    Idk if it is because of my age, but the F-14 Tomcat is and always will be my favorite fighter plane of all time.

  • @brianpayne2478

    @brianpayne2478

    Жыл бұрын

    I fly remote control planes. It’s currently in my “hangar” (I have one, it’s just not built yet).

  • @Mdolfinfan77

    @Mdolfinfan77

    Жыл бұрын

    @notfiveo the fact they made these to fight and train against the Russian mig is insane and how they can maneuver for being a bigger aircraft is cool and maybe topgun when I was a kid also had something to do with this 🤭😅. Growing up F-16, F-15 and F-14 and SR-71 I idolized. Me and my gramps saw a Sr-71 fly over us it was the loudest thing I've ever heard besides being next to an alcohol race car!!. We lived in oceanside ca at the time. I'm just a fan.

  • @theothertroll

    @theothertroll

    Жыл бұрын

    So what? 🤪

  • @charlessanders4337

    @charlessanders4337

    Жыл бұрын

    @notfiveo except the 4th Gen fighters are all faster than the 5th Gens. The tech on the 5th Gen is what gives it the advantage.

  • @That_Guy_Says_Hi

    @That_Guy_Says_Hi

    Жыл бұрын

    The P-38 would like a word. As would the Supermarine Spitfire.

  • @cdmorrissy3692
    @cdmorrissy3692 Жыл бұрын

    I was in VF-124 (Top Gun) at Fighter town, NAS Miramar in 1974, and I felt pretty proud of our F-14's, and when I was transferred to VF-1, aboard The Enterprise in 1975, I worked as a Plane Captain, on The Flight Deck, and the F-14 was designed very well for shipboard launch and recovery.

  • @slactweak

    @slactweak

    Жыл бұрын

    I was in VF-51 at Fighter Town USA from '83 to '86. I did the WestPac portion of the '83 World Cruise, the '84-'85 WestPac and the '86 RimPac, on the Carl Vinson. I was an AT and I knew all the pilots who flew the F-14's in the movie Top Gun. The ready room scene was filmed in our sister squadron's, (VF-111), ready room at Miramar. For us Electronics types, the Tomcat was a PITA but I gotta say it was one H*LL of an aircraft.

  • @backcountryme

    @backcountryme

    Жыл бұрын

    That is so cool both of you. Thank you both for your service.

  • @johnroberts7018

    @johnroberts7018

    10 ай бұрын

    Buddy I envy you. Sincerely. And of course, thank you for your service!

  • @bradclifton5248

    @bradclifton5248

    9 ай бұрын

    The greatest successes of any military is to never be used to its full potential.

  • @BrianRhodes9763
    @BrianRhodes9763 Жыл бұрын

    The 4 F-14's from VF-32 was not a strike fighter squadron. It was a fighter squadron. VF-32 later became VFA-32, that's when it became a Strike Fighter Squadron. I was a Gypsy Swordsmen (VF-32) from June 85' to June 87'. Edited: I apologize if I misrepresented myself, I was not a Naval Aviator. I was and (AMS2) Airframe and Hydraulic Mechanic 2nd Class.

  • @donalddowning4108

    @donalddowning4108

    Жыл бұрын

    I was with an A-7 squadron, VA-305, that transitioned to FA-18’s. Some people might have got confused when they started the ‘Bombcat’ program. What a waste.

  • @gamerelated3887

    @gamerelated3887

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for your service, sir! That must have been the experience of a lifetime!!

  • @BrianRhodes9763

    @BrianRhodes9763

    Жыл бұрын

    @@gamerelated3887 Oh the sea stories I could share. If I had to do it over I would only change a few things, mostly my attitude...hahaha. Thank you for your kind words.

  • @krapeevids6992

    @krapeevids6992

    Жыл бұрын

    Not too sure what any of that means but it sounds pretty damn cool. Thanks for your service!

  • @nommadd5758

    @nommadd5758

    Жыл бұрын

    I was an AQ way back when. The Tomcat will always be my favorite bird! Glad I could help keep you guys in the air! Thank you for your service sir!!

  • @johntrottier1162
    @johntrottier116211 ай бұрын

    I was an EM1 (RPE) on the USS Enterprise CVN65 in the 70's. We were the first carrier to get the F14 and the first to deploy with them. They still are the best looking aircraft the Navy ever had.

  • @enigma3474
    @enigma3474 Жыл бұрын

    F-14 still is the best looking fighter.

  • @8eg

    @8eg

    Жыл бұрын

    Fr

  • @andysharlofsky627

    @andysharlofsky627

    Жыл бұрын

    You got that right! My plane was the A 7 but they were awesome on the flight deck 😊

  • @kimchi2780

    @kimchi2780

    Жыл бұрын

    @@andysharlofsky627 A7 was the coolest looking plane but the best looking plane ever is the B-58 Hustler.

  • @markadams2907

    @markadams2907

    Жыл бұрын

    Especially when you add the cool factor of the Jolly Rogers

  • @user-tq6pg9jf6y

    @user-tq6pg9jf6y

    Жыл бұрын

    You got to go V if your going to go Stealth ! V . Your going throw them all off ! V IT !

  • @kyriakos2706
    @kyriakos2706 Жыл бұрын

    5:33 the AWG-9 was the radar that the tomcat had ,not an air to air misille

  • @plingket2102

    @plingket2102

    Жыл бұрын

    i identify as an AWG-9

  • @Stratocastter

    @Stratocastter

    Жыл бұрын

    @@plingket2102 lol

  • @brobearbrobear0464

    @brobearbrobear0464

    Жыл бұрын

    And AIM-9s are infrared not radar. PDS TT isn't a radar mode either as far as i know, but Pulse Doppler (PD) is a mode and Single Target Track (STT) can be used with it.

  • @WolfA4

    @WolfA4

    Жыл бұрын

    Yeah this channel doesn't seem to focus much on research.

  • @geemanbmw

    @geemanbmw

    14 күн бұрын

    ​@@WolfA4BINGO!🎯

  • @HiTechOilCo
    @HiTechOilCo Жыл бұрын

    The F-14 Tomcat should still be in the air and to this day can do things no other plane in the world can!

  • @PhilTParker
    @PhilTParker Жыл бұрын

    It’s a shame that this beautiful and amazingly powerful airframe was retired. She went away before her time, for sure.

  • @thystaff742

    @thystaff742

    Жыл бұрын

    Especially since they could have been greatly improved with new engines and materials to be made from. Like anything else, it's politics that kill great things. Just look at budlight.

  • @juniordaddyman

    @juniordaddyman

    Жыл бұрын

    The military leaders of this era; real men of genius, not!!!

  • @shlug

    @shlug

    Жыл бұрын

    ​@@thystaff742 budlight was never great )

  • @thystaff742

    @thystaff742

    Жыл бұрын

    @shlug The beer wasn't great. However, the story behind it and the cheap buzz is what gave its appeal. I'm a fan of microbreweries myself, but it's not cheap to drink real beer in America.

  • @1014p

    @1014p

    11 ай бұрын

    What we have now exceeds it in many ways. However per a comment below, take design back to drawing board and improve it. Technology we have now could make it very dangerous among current offerings.

  • @cammando2363
    @cammando2363 Жыл бұрын

    It’s a damned shame that they retired this beast of a machine. I know it’s a couple generations out of date, but it’s still a hell of a plane.

  • @midnightgt46

    @midnightgt46

    Жыл бұрын

    its only 1 gen out of date the F-14 is a 4th gen fighter

  • @coachwilson5967

    @coachwilson5967

    Жыл бұрын

    If they were less costly to maintain (per hr of flight time) there would still be at least 3 per carrier & a few on land.

  • @johnlacambra6004

    @johnlacambra6004

    Жыл бұрын

    Because reckless politicians thought it was awesome to sell our prized technology to Iran at the time. It isn't budget problems, that's bullshit when you have like 9 10 or 11 air craft carriers ready at any moment noticed just patrolling the globe and most countries don't have one or even close to having one and the onse that do are your allies and the case of China.

  • @d.e.b.b5788

    @d.e.b.b5788

    Жыл бұрын

    Seems all the planes are 'hell of a plane's. search for fighter planes, and every single one is referred to as the best at some point.

  • @johnlacambra6004

    @johnlacambra6004

    Жыл бұрын

    @@d.e.b.b5788No the truth is all 4rth generation fighter's if all pilots were the same pilot in all the 4rth gen planes at once then the f16 will come out on top. It was designed to be the most maneuverable of them all. So in an air to air dogfight it is either you can maneuver the best or you fly away as fast as you can before the more maneuverable fighter gets a lock on you.

  • @chr0min0id
    @chr0min0id Жыл бұрын

    One of the coolest naval fighters in history…

  • @albusplaustrum06

    @albusplaustrum06

    Жыл бұрын

    Nothing looks cooler than F-14s with the jolly roger. Always loved the Tomcat and the Eagle. Maybe something about the twin vertical stabilizers and twin engines.

  • @whatsreal7506

    @whatsreal7506

    Жыл бұрын

    One of my favorites for certain!

  • @removerinnawoods8536

    @removerinnawoods8536

    Жыл бұрын

    That w i d e lifting body makes her look thicc Heard she dances pretty good for a fat girl

  • @Stratocastter

    @Stratocastter

    Жыл бұрын

    No, the coolest without a doubt. Nothing was cooler than an F-14.

  • @slate4687

    @slate4687

    Жыл бұрын

    Maybe the coolest

  • @trixrabbit8792
    @trixrabbit8792 Жыл бұрын

    Back in 04 I flew into Camp anaconda in Iraq for a 3 day training detail with one of my mechanics. There had been a break down in communications between our unit on Victory North and the unit that was hosting us. Each unit thought the other had arranged transport for us from the air field to the host units AO. The 2 of us got to sit on the tarmac and watch sorties come and go every 15 minutes for the rest of the night. The F14’s are awesome to watch. They would hit the end of the runway and stand on their tails. It was like watching rockets launch. A quick run up to speed and then just shoot straight up into the darkness. All you could see was the blue red flame disappear into the thunder of the launch. As an army ground pounder it was a treat to watch.

  • @doraexplora9046

    @doraexplora9046

    Жыл бұрын

    The best I've seen up close is the F18. That was at a Red Bull air race. That thing is big, powerful and scary. It flew over the grand stand and rearranged everyone's clothes and head gear. It then went around doing its impressive rolls etc. but it was the ending that had everyone literally going 'AAAAWE'. That thing flew over us at about 300', went out across the water and then literally went vertical as in a right angle turn and shot up into the ceiling and became less than a speck in about 3-4secs. The commentator said how impressive that these aircraft are flown by 25yo, who he said were old for this aircraft. These jets aren't even in service any more! Scariest thing I've ever seen fly over my head.

  • @daviddewald4540
    @daviddewald4540 Жыл бұрын

    F-14 was not built as a strike fighter that was the f-18 and F-16. F-14s didn't become capable strike frighters until the Delta variant which got the nickname Bombcat.

  • @2ZZGE100

    @2ZZGE100

    Жыл бұрын

    Yep. F-14 Tomcat was all about covering the full spectrum of air-to-air. Long range, medium range and short range dogfighting, but Grumman had "hardwired" the F-14 Tomcat in the 70s with air-to-ground avionics as well as software that went with it anticipating it might become a strike fighter one day.

  • @dandychiggins8329

    @dandychiggins8329

    Жыл бұрын

    All Varients were strike capable. It just was not implemented until the mid 90’s when the intruder was retired.

  • @daviddewald4540

    @daviddewald4540

    Жыл бұрын

    @@dandychiggins8329 yes all variants were able to drop bombs although they were not allowed to until the 90s and didn't receive a targeting pod until then. Point still stands F-14 was purpose built fighter/intercepter that later became a capable strike aircraft.

  • @AudiA6Q

    @AudiA6Q

    Жыл бұрын

    F-14 was actually designed as a strike fighter / interceptor (all bombing modes built in), but due to the F-111B controversy and Navy's argument against it at the time, at first the F-14 was only allowed to be spoken of as an A-A platform. I think the F-16 was originally meant strictly as a fighter as well but gained all other missions capabilities through the years

  • @2ZZGE100

    @2ZZGE100

    Жыл бұрын

    @@AudiA6Q Also, failure of F-111B was because of poor performance, maneuverability and carrier landing, which is why F-14 was conceived to be a proper fighter that could also do well in dogfighting if necessary, but it was not its primary mission.

  • @BigJim12860
    @BigJim12860 Жыл бұрын

    The F-14 was a beast to work on and maintain, it requited many hours of maintenance for each hour of flight. That seriously impacted and degraded readiness.

  • @MrNota500

    @MrNota500

    Жыл бұрын

    That was the reason it got retired, it cost so much to keep it flying. The F-14 is miles ahead of the f-18 but it all came down to the budget.

  • @kimchi2780
    @kimchi2780 Жыл бұрын

    Over the years your videos have got so much better and enjoyable. Thank you for slowing down when you speak because your content is amazing.

  • @the5thmusketeer215

    @the5thmusketeer215

    Жыл бұрын

    I too recall when he spoke quicker & could be hard to understand… 😊 But at the same time, his very distinctive voice & “urgent” sounding style of delivery (as unique as William Shatner’s signature stop/start voice acting technique) is one of the most enjoyable aspects of this channel. It really adds to the narrative impact of some of the dramatic events that are documented in these videos & greatly enhances the overall experience & sense of drama that is conveyed while watching them.

  • @NKBobcat
    @NKBobcat11 ай бұрын

    I served in RVAH-6 (RA-5C Vigilantes) as part of Carrier Air Group 8 (CAG-8) on the USS Nimitz from July 76 to the end of 77. We had F-14 Tomcats from VF-41 and V-84. We also had A-6 Intruders (VA-35), EA-6B Prowlers (VAQ-135), A-7 Corsairs {VA-82, VA-86), S-3 Vikings (VS-24), E-2B Hawkeyes (VAW-112), and H-3 Sea Kings (HS-9) with support from C-1 (COD), C-2 Greyhound, and H-53 Sea Stallions. I was a RA-5C Plane Captain and spent my time working nights on the flight deck. Just mentioning all of those aircraft brought back great memories. Thank you!

  • @jyy9624

    @jyy9624

    7 ай бұрын

    My uncle who worked for the state dept posted to the Philippines embassy took his son and me to Subic for a vip tour of the Nimitz. I saw all the planes and learned the distinct roles of each, including the tomcat. I was 10 years old and in hog heaven, and it still is the most incredible tour I have ever had

  • @Matterian
    @Matterian Жыл бұрын

    Feb of 2006 was a dark month for aviation. There was just something about the Tomcat. used for Animation as transforming Mechs or even Decepticons.

  • @bigballzmcdrawz2921

    @bigballzmcdrawz2921

    Жыл бұрын

    And Razgriz from Ace Combat 5.

  • @rickmenasian6774
    @rickmenasian67749 ай бұрын

    My father was head of production support for the Tomcat. RIP, Dad.

  • @BradleySkaggsNYC
    @BradleySkaggsNYC Жыл бұрын

    Perhaps the "Final Countdown" had someting to do with it when I was kid, but the Tomcat is still my favorite fighter. The sweep wings are still so cool. Such an amazing piece of engineering.

  • @thomastrankle426

    @thomastrankle426

    Жыл бұрын

    I loved that movie! What could be cooler? F-14's dogfighting with Japanese Zeros!

  • @BradleySkaggsNYC

    @BradleySkaggsNYC

    Жыл бұрын

    @@thomastrankle426 And no CGI!

  • @chriscoyle6193
    @chriscoyle6193 Жыл бұрын

    Was very happy to have worked with Tomcats on Independence in the gulf. Just sitting on the flight deck with the wings overfolded and the nose slightly lowered, the front view of the aircraft gives one that predatory sense. I'm pretty sure all Tomcats were "D"'s on all carriers in 91/92. Ward Carroll has a great channel as he was a RIO on F-14's btw. The F/A-18 was much less maintenance than the Tomcats even though they are both 4th gen. Had an uncle that flew tomcats but he croaked before I could get any stories out of him....RIP uncle Bill

  • @stephenrothwell8142
    @stephenrothwell8142 Жыл бұрын

    Love your narrating matey. I've been watching your channels for a while now. Take care. ❤

  • @MRptwrench
    @MRptwrench Жыл бұрын

    During my tour of service I was able to get pretty close to all the Navy carrier fixed wing, and a few rotary wing aircraft. The Hornets were my favorite, but I was young. The Tomacats were HUGE! Both in size, and in respect and duty carried.

  • @crazydaisy1334

    @crazydaisy1334

    Жыл бұрын

    Is that why the Tomacat maintenance costs was much more than the Hornet?

  • @magedradwan2459

    @magedradwan2459

    Жыл бұрын

    In real fight the F14 is the best , cost worth to win the real battle...

  • @Chris_at_Home

    @Chris_at_Home

    Жыл бұрын

    My son worked cats 1&2 on the GW in the mid 90s. He said the Tomcats were rough on the cats because of their weight.

  • @crazydaisy1334

    @crazydaisy1334

    Жыл бұрын

    @@Chris_at_Home make sense. The tomcats were huge and the maintenance costs were high. That’s too bad as the tomcat was awesome in the sky and the long range was useful.

  • @tombearclaw
    @tombearclaw Жыл бұрын

    I’m going to guess that part of the calculation of withholding strike missions from Tomcats was to minimize chances of being shot down in such close proximity to Iran, so as to minimize the chance of them being able to salvage any parts from downed aircraft

  • @TheEudaemonicPlague
    @TheEudaemonicPlague Жыл бұрын

    Ever since they came along, the F-14 Tomcat has always been my favorite fighter jet. They're the most beautiful thing in the air. I still have (most of) the model I bought in the 70s. I should find a new one, and do it up right...I didn't paint my model, and a couple of small parts have disappeared. I joined the navy in 1985, and am a plankowner for USS Theodore Roosevelt, where I finally got to see them close up. I'll never forget hanging out on vulture's row, watching night flights...while tripping on acid. I'm somewhat disappointed that they had to be replaced with something more modern, with capabilities they don't have, but that's what happens...time stops for no one.

  • @deejayimm
    @deejayimm Жыл бұрын

    When the wings are swept back, it's just so damn good looking that even if it was a hunk of crap, you could still love it. When you find out it looks that good AND it was pretty badass, that's just impressive design and engineering by Grumman...

  • @flyboy38a
    @flyboy38a Жыл бұрын

    This brings back some memories. I flew the E-2C Hawkeyes with VAW-126 off of the Kennedy during this time. We were incredibly lucky during that conflict because we lost no one on the entire ship as well as the air wing during that cruise/war. We were not so lucky the following year when we lost an E-2 to hydraulic failure/fire with all 5 crew members lost. I believe one of the F/A-18 squadrons lost their XO when he flew into the ground or at least hit something close to the ground during that same few weeks in the Puerto Rico Operating area. I was back home recovering from having a hole drilled into my skull to relieve a sinus block. So to this day I wonder how close I dodged the bullet when Closeout 602 went down. Ironically the plane had my name on it which freaked my family out a lot. Hard to believe that I left that squadron 30 years ago next month.

  • @fredflux2738

    @fredflux2738

    10 ай бұрын

    Jesus, thank you for your service 🫡. From an airmen- do you think the navy is going to unmanned aircraft exclusively? I was curious about this- considering craft like the E2 and the Prowler with all the anti-warfare gear on the craft, could that be operated remotely?

  • @BrianRhodes9763

    @BrianRhodes9763

    10 ай бұрын

    I was an AMS2 with VF-32 on the Kennedy for the 86'-87' cruise.

  • @flyboy38a

    @flyboy38a

    10 ай бұрын

    @@BrianRhodes9763 So you where there before the shootdown of the Libyan fighter jets. I did not get to my squadron until Jul 1990 so I missed that excitement as well, but Shield and Storm were enough for me. I keep forgetting which squadron was the Top Hats and which one was the Swordsmen.

  • @flyboy38a

    @flyboy38a

    10 ай бұрын

    @@fredflux2738 I think we will go with a mixture of the two for the near future. There are too many possible ways for jamming or some other interference to cause problems for the aircraft. But who knows what advancements in technology will happen over the next few decades. We may very well get a solid grip on quantum entanglement and so develop unbreakable and instantaneous communications with our aircraft to the point where remote control will be the best way to go. Only time will tell.

  • @BrianRhodes9763

    @BrianRhodes9763

    10 ай бұрын

    @@flyboy38a Yes, I got to the VF-32 in June of 85' and transitioned from active duty in June of 87'. I missed the shoot down by 1 cruise. I am still in contact with several of the flight deck crew in my old squadron that did make that cruise. VF-32 (VFA-32 now) are the Swordsmen and VF-14 (VFA-14 now) are the Tophatters.

  • @andyby
    @andyby Жыл бұрын

    Your work on these videos is great!

  • @polarking888
    @polarking888 Жыл бұрын

    This content is gold for military aviation buffs

  • @AT2Productions

    @AT2Productions

    Жыл бұрын

    Except for the details the script writer got wrong. Such as VF-32 being a “Fighter Squadron”, not a “Strike Fighter Squadron”, those are VFA designated units. Or the fact that the F-14 didn’t get the Air-to-Ground role until late in its service life. Before that capability was added, the Tomcat was given reconnaissance and forward air controller tasks and training.

  • @raulcastro925
    @raulcastro9259 ай бұрын

    The 'TomCat' was under used and a true beauty of a bird.

  • @Chris-ok4zo
    @Chris-ok4zo Жыл бұрын

    The exact moment I saw F-14s engaged in Aerial combat, first thing that comes to mind is Tom Cruise and Kenny Loggins.

  • @MrNota500

    @MrNota500

    Жыл бұрын

    Did Tom Cruise make the F-14 iconic or did the F-14 make Tom Cruise iconic? I vote the latter.

  • @Chris-ok4zo

    @Chris-ok4zo

    Жыл бұрын

    @@MrNota500 I mean, if you know movies, if you think of one, you may or may not think of the other.

  • @johnroberts7018
    @johnroberts701810 ай бұрын

    The greatest Navy fighter of all time in my opinion. What an absolute beast. I’ve seen people comment “if it was so great why’s they retire it? And from what I understand it was because it was so expensive to upkeep. F-18 is simpler, cheaper to maintain. But I think head to head the Tomcat is better.

  • @BrianRhodes9763

    @BrianRhodes9763

    10 ай бұрын

    That is only part of the reason. Yes it was more expensive to maintain, however, the ST-21 program (Super Tomcat for the 21st century) was a proposal to replace the F-14. The MAIN reason the F-14 is no longer in the inventory is the Secretary of Defense dick cheney (I intentionally spelled that lower case for a reason) and Grumman got into a pissing contest (so I've been told) and Grumman lost. cheney, for some reason had something against Grumman.

  • @DiegoSanchez-or5ez
    @DiegoSanchez-or5ez Жыл бұрын

    Saw one of your videos and subscribed Immediately

  • @richardpayne2625
    @richardpayne2625 Жыл бұрын

    I watched them test those at the Grumman facility in Calverton in the very early 1970, very impressive.

  • @glenn8478
    @glenn8478 Жыл бұрын

    @Dark Skies As a narrator, you are perfect👍 Keep up the good work!👌😊

  • @dpjordan75
    @dpjordan759 ай бұрын

    The f14 is still my favorite fighter! Mam I love your videos. They are the best documentaries imo. Have you ever considered doing long form documentaries?

  • @2ZZGE100
    @2ZZGE100 Жыл бұрын

    F-14 Tomcat forever. "Anytime Baby!"

  • @drmarkintexas-400
    @drmarkintexas-400 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for sharing 😎🏆🙏🇺🇸

  • @Jack-sr4vl
    @Jack-sr4vl Жыл бұрын

    Great video, thank you. I like the leading voice, it adds great level of mystery.

  • @NICOLAI_VET
    @NICOLAI_VET Жыл бұрын

    The F14 was not a strike fighter. It was designed and adopted as an air superiority fighter with the protection of a carrier group against all air threats. It wasn't converted into a fighter-bomber before the end of the 1980's.

  • @lizzardwizard2000

    @lizzardwizard2000

    Жыл бұрын

    Exactly, It was a Fleet Defense aircraft.

  • @elijahhodges4405
    @elijahhodges440510 ай бұрын

    Possibly still the greatest fighter ever built.

  • @fatmangoboom7722
    @fatmangoboom77229 ай бұрын

    Great video love your channel

  • @fatherguidosarduchi5204
    @fatherguidosarduchi52049 ай бұрын

    Still a very capable aircraft. Bring it back with some updates!!!!!!

  • @mclarenscca
    @mclarenscca Жыл бұрын

    Great stuff! Thank you!

  • @billwatson8616
    @billwatson86169 ай бұрын

    The Tomcat is one bad boy fighter plane! Those 50 caliber guns in the wings do serious damage fast! Outside the Phantom and a Blackbird, this is my favorite pane.

  • @theothertroll
    @theothertroll Жыл бұрын

    Great videos, informative, good presentations and totally cool narration voice 👍

  • @stoater1551
    @stoater155111 ай бұрын

    Thanks for the tip, I have ordered the book.

  • @VeeTaperTemplar
    @VeeTaperTemplar Жыл бұрын

    Man your voiceovers could be used for pre workout motivation videos too I like that you can be watched anytime of day not too loud just consistently delivering a story

  • @michaelsparrow8033
    @michaelsparrow8033 Жыл бұрын

    F14 was originally built as an INTERCEPTOR! Strike was an add on relatively late in it's heritage. JS

  • @OrdinaryDude
    @OrdinaryDude Жыл бұрын

    The F-14 was NOT a strike fighter, at least not during this part of history. It was later adapted for ground attack, but that was well after the first gulf war. It was designed as a long range interceptor. LATER they adapted it to be a strike fighter to prolong it's service life so they could retire the A-6 Intruders that were still deployed to the fleet.

  • @mattjacomos2795

    @mattjacomos2795

    Жыл бұрын

    I came here to say this...

  • @BrianRhodes9763

    @BrianRhodes9763

    Жыл бұрын

    And it never had the designation as a strike fighter, although they did call it the Bombcat.

  • @ryanomac27

    @ryanomac27

    Жыл бұрын

    Well said

  • @chrisstancer5857

    @chrisstancer5857

    Жыл бұрын

    The Tomcat was originally designed with strike capability intending to sell them to the Marines. When the Marines didn't buy any Tomcats, the bombing capability was simply never used until the A-6s were retired. I was an AT in VF-2 during Desert Storm 91, I remember seeing schematic traces for bombing capability then.

  • @BrianRhodes9763

    @BrianRhodes9763

    Жыл бұрын

    @@chrisstancer5857 I think Grumman wanted to sell the F-14 to the Marines, but the Navy had no intention of using the strike capability, they shied away from that type of platform because they used that argument for not taking delivery of the F-111.

  • @iainpaton1865
    @iainpaton1865 Жыл бұрын

    Please keep the great videos coming friend from Scotland 😊

  • @DashPar
    @DashPar8 ай бұрын

    There is a lot of F15 footage in your F14 documentary. But I love this channel.

  • @wills2140
    @wills2140 Жыл бұрын

    Fun Fact : the F 14 came to be because the Navy could not turn the F - 111 into a viable ship borne fighter, despite McNamara's desires. No big surprise there as the Air Force could not use the F - 111 as a fighter either, they made it a strike bomber. But the large engines were initially reused in the same twin layout on the F - 14 A. Still a shame that Chaney ended the use of the great Tomcat.

  • @thomastrankle426

    @thomastrankle426

    Жыл бұрын

    "Chaney ended the use of the great Tomcat" Is that Dick Cheney? I didn't know that he was the one that pulled the plug.

  • @darkalman

    @darkalman

    11 ай бұрын

    Leave it to an A-4 pilot to kill the Tomcat

  • @wills2140

    @wills2140

    10 ай бұрын

    Yes, sorry. Dick Cheney* came into the Nixon White House as a staffer and liked some of McNamara's ideas on streamlining military procurement and spending. As Sec Def under George H. W. Bush he actually cut spending ( and tried to ignore that Congress had authorised spending on the V - 22 ). As VP under George W. Bush he exercised "oversight" on Defense policy and activities in a few instances ( the response to 9 11 and "enhanced interrogation" most noted ). Cheney had no... affection for the F 14 and thought having them was... a liability that Iran could repair their planes from our stockpiles. He turned out to have a point, Iran had a long running parts smuggling operation to keep their F 14's in service ( Ward has mentioned the parts theft and smuggling in in other videos ).

  • @Emanemoston
    @Emanemoston Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the video.

  • @Elthenar
    @Elthenar Жыл бұрын

    The F-14 is arguably the most iconic US fighter of all time for several reasons. One, Top Gun. Gotta get that out of the way. Top Gun made Tom Cruise and F-14's into Megastars. Two, it was the primary carrier bird for the second half of the Cold War. Given that the US Navy carriers were usually the ones responding to trouble, those F-14's got a lot of press. Three, Japan. In the 80's guys like me grew up on Japanese animation and toys. The most famous of transforming aircraft looked just like F-14's, the VF-1 Valkyrie from Macross. There were plenty of others, like Jetfire from Transformers too. They still sell a lot of VF-1 toys and kits to this day.

  • @Minutemman
    @Minutemman Жыл бұрын

    The Hornet vs MiG-21 engagement was also a good Desert Storm fight.

  • @FunkMasterJunk
    @FunkMasterJunk Жыл бұрын

    The F-14 is my favorite plane of all time.

  • @billguernsey6419
    @billguernsey6419 Жыл бұрын

    I would love to see a show about “Mike” Boleslaw Gladych. Polish fighter pilot then French, then British. You were born to do great stories this is one.

  • @gordonliddy9418
    @gordonliddy9418 Жыл бұрын

    The f14D had so much potential. Just imagine if it was upgraded to a fly by wire setup. Would've been a game changer.

  • @gort8203

    @gort8203

    Жыл бұрын

    Adding fly by wire to an existing airplane does not make it fly faster, turn tighter, or carry more payload, so it wouldn't be a real "game changer". It might make it harder for the pilot to get into trouble by mishandling the controls, depending on the airplane's flight characteristics.

  • @ReTuRneD1

    @ReTuRneD1

    Жыл бұрын

    the F-14 is aerodynamically stable, it doesn't need fly by wire.

  • @gort8203

    @gort8203

    Жыл бұрын

    @@ReTuRneD1 True. But Airbus aircraft are stable, and they get FBW anyway. It does not increase performance, but Airbus thinks it makes them safer and easier to fly by replacing pilot skills with software.

  • @ReTuRneD1

    @ReTuRneD1

    Жыл бұрын

    @@gort8203 FBW helps flying it easier, but other fighters straight up need it. Commercial wise it factors into fuel efficiency and autopilot. FBW on the F-14 would remove the need to apply rudder during their turns and idiot-proofs the aircraft to prevent over-g and stall if they go full aft stick at speed.

  • @gort8203

    @gort8203

    Жыл бұрын

    @@ReTuRneD1 So are you trying to agree or disagree with what I said?

  • @tawilsquiton9440
    @tawilsquiton9440 Жыл бұрын

    ,,Beauty and performance F14 had..👍💕

  • @johnwallace4408
    @johnwallace4408 Жыл бұрын

    The F-14A+ was later redesigned the F-14 B according to Ward Carroll former F-14 RIO who flew the F-14A,B,&D!

  • @AKlover

    @AKlover

    Жыл бұрын

    B-D had different engines.

  • @BrianRhodes9763

    @BrianRhodes9763

    Жыл бұрын

    Ward Carroll was also A Gypsy Swordsmen of VF-32

  • @Fearless1247

    @Fearless1247

    Жыл бұрын

    Mooch. He has an amazing channel

  • @MrNota500

    @MrNota500

    Жыл бұрын

    @@AKlover The A+ and B are the same, they just changed it to B to be less confusing. The A had the original engines which were prone to flame outs.

  • @davy1458
    @davy1458 Жыл бұрын

    A more handsome bird has never been built.

  • @venturefanatic9262
    @venturefanatic9262 Жыл бұрын

    My favorite Jet Fighter ever. The the Wings transitioning has always captured my imagination. Can this plane be redesigned with all the new Tech?

  • @fatmangoboom7722
    @fatmangoboom77229 ай бұрын

    F14 was a bad ass fighter, but I can see why they moved to a more cost effective multi role platform. Still one of the best looking fighters ever!

  • @whatsreal7506
    @whatsreal7506 Жыл бұрын

    Well done. Cool stuff 😎

  • @ronaryel6445
    @ronaryel6445 Жыл бұрын

    The F-14 was not designed as a strike fighter. Up to about midcareer it carried no air to ground weapons. It was an air dominance fighter and fleet interceptor; the strike roles were reserved for the A-6, A-7, and F/A-18 Hornet. However, it was highly adaptable, and with the addition of sensors, and lasers, crews could bomb targets with a high degree of accuracy. Also, our narrator did not mention the F-14's use in tactical reconnaisance during the Gulf War. The LANTIRN pod came in very handy for that.

  • @jeffburnham6611
    @jeffburnham66117 ай бұрын

    The F'14A/B variant was not a fighter-bomber, nor did it carry air-to-ground weapons. Those models were strictly for Fleet Defense/Air Intercept. During the 1991 Gulf War, the Navy's Ground Strike component was the FA-18 and the A-6E.

  • @digysdosdiy9113
    @digysdosdiy91139 ай бұрын

    F-14, my favorite plane; they should make a movie plot around it.

  • @jeffreyabell
    @jeffreyabell Жыл бұрын

    Thanks

  • @joegagnon2268
    @joegagnon2268 Жыл бұрын

    My goodness that’s beautiful

  • @philb1595
    @philb1595 Жыл бұрын

    Iranian F-14 Tomcats had been fighting Iraqi Aircraft from 1980-1988, the Iraqis were very familiar with the Tomcats. IRIAF Claims to have as many as 160 kills with F-14s against Iraqi Airforce

  • @GeorgeKlinger
    @GeorgeKlinger Жыл бұрын

    Way too many ads

  • @yokoshemp
    @yokoshemp Жыл бұрын

    The F14 was old technology in '91. The USA wanted and needed to test it's newer weapon systems in actual combat. The space programs really supercharged US technology so that even small gaps in time saw large increases in capability. A plane made in 1970 was not near the equal of one made in 1975.... materials, electronics, and aerodynamics had changed. Some things can be upgraded and some things can't.

  • @jk-76
    @jk-76 Жыл бұрын

    Best looking fighter jet ever.

  • @Chris_at_Home
    @Chris_at_Home Жыл бұрын

    I remember seeing a F-14 in the spring of 1972 just after it took off going overhead.

  • @dennis954rr01
    @dennis954rr01 Жыл бұрын

    Very interesting! Mike C is my neighbor and good friend, when I realized who's channel this was I had a chuckle. Small world!

  • @firestorm7502
    @firestorm7502 Жыл бұрын

    One of the most beautiful aircrafts ever made

  • @richelemarasigan826
    @richelemarasigan8265 ай бұрын

    That f14 tomcats with a skull looks so sick💀🦴🦴🔥🔥🔥

  • @franciscolopez3229
    @franciscolopez3229 Жыл бұрын

    Aside from the P-51 Mustang and the F-4 Phantom, these F-14 Tomcat are the fighter planes I love the most. Oops, also A-10 Warthog.

  • @michaelvs.scorpio7676
    @michaelvs.scorpio767610 ай бұрын

    Ever since I was einen Junge, Ich liebe den F-14 Kater; I always will!! The Variable Wing Geometry or Swing Wing (or Scissor-Wing, as I used to call it when I was little) is what gives it the ability to be BOTH extremely FAST and extremely AGILE at SLOW speeds for HIGH manueverability (while dog-fighting) and to make it easier for LANDING on an Aircraft Carrier!!

  • @Gripen90
    @Gripen90 Жыл бұрын

    The F14 was a BARCAP air superiority fighter first and foremost. The ground strike capabilities first came with the F14B models nicknamed Bombcats.

  • @Frankie5Angels150
    @Frankie5Angels1509 ай бұрын

    The Tomcat was never the US’s most capable fighter. It was hyped to be so but notice how quickly they got rid of it.

  • @acortilesso427
    @acortilesso427 Жыл бұрын

    the legend.

  • @bernardwilson9387
    @bernardwilson9387 Жыл бұрын

    F-14 tomcat my favorite jet

  • @johnharris6655
    @johnharris6655 Жыл бұрын

    You have to do the Air Battle of Samurra. F-15 Vs Mig-25.

  • @WR_CTorch
    @WR_CTorch Жыл бұрын

    I remember the first time I saw a F14 rolling down the taxiway and thinking Jesus Christ the thing is huge. My 2nd thought was “They really land that on a aircraft carrier?” 😂

  • @stevenpreston4597
    @stevenpreston45979 ай бұрын

    It all came down to cost. The F-14 was so expensive off the Boing line that they were not even armed and had to be sent to Hughes Aircraft for weapon's installation.

  • @percy9406
    @percy94066 ай бұрын

    Just a badass plane.

  • @joegagnon2268
    @joegagnon2268 Жыл бұрын

    Great stuff 🤤

  • @backcountryme
    @backcountryme Жыл бұрын

    I still hear the Top Gun theme in my head when I see that plane.

  • @rafaelcapili8890
    @rafaelcapili8890 Жыл бұрын

    Master of the sky F-14 Tomcat and King of the sky F-15 Eagle Powerful Combination of US Jet!

  • @MADMAXMALONE1
    @MADMAXMALONE1 Жыл бұрын

    Guessing you used some F-14 stock footage for your video. Those F-14's with the skull and cross bones are from VF-84 Jolly Rogers out of N.A.S. Oceana Verginia. I know I was in VA-35 whom now fly the F-18 Hornet, but at the time was still flying A-6 Intruders, AKA Iron Tadpoles. But the info was spot on.

  • @dflesher65
    @dflesher65 Жыл бұрын

    I wish we would have kept the D models and upgrade the older models. The Super Hornet may have a tough time with a large group and of incoming bombers.

  • @daemianbox
    @daemianbox Жыл бұрын

    Just good memories.

  • @mythadology
    @mythadology Жыл бұрын

    Is it me or is the tomcat footage at 5:54 and onward, modified to look like Roy Fokker's VF-1s from the Robotech Macross anime? I can't make out the fuselage markings but the skull and crossbones tale is a giveaway.

  • @spannerturnerMWO

    @spannerturnerMWO

    Жыл бұрын

    Skull Squadron's markings are based on the F-14 squadron, VF-84 "The Jolly Rogers" in their mid-70s livery. Robotech came after the F-14 and utilized the F-14 as the model for their Veritech Fighters.

  • @viciousvictortee1298
    @viciousvictortee1298 Жыл бұрын

    Wow they really showing alot of....

  • @Mcgregor854
    @Mcgregor854 Жыл бұрын

    The F-15s were the fighters clearing the skies before and during the war. If you count the Migs shot down by the Eagles the score was 34 of the 38 kills were F-15 kills. The good news for the Navy was no aircraft carriers were lost during the hostiles. Go Navy.

  • @kevinquinn7645
    @kevinquinn7645 Жыл бұрын

    The Iraqis were probably gun shy about the Tomcat due to the 160 aircraft they lost to Iranian F-14s.

  • @willie-vj4ms
    @willie-vj4ms Жыл бұрын

    My favorite plane was the P51 Mustang

  • @gdubya83
    @gdubya83 Жыл бұрын

    God. That is more awesome than Top Gun. Semper Fi

Келесі