Tomcat flys its final mission

[ultrarunner]

I don't think ole Chuck could get it aboard.

No arguement from me on that. But I wouldn't want to be on board if he was trying?

 

[VVJM265]

The F-14 was already 20 years old (developed in 1968, production started 1970) when the F-4s were starting to head out. F-16s and F-18s were still fairly new though compared to the F-4 and F-14.

Still sad to see all the good ones being retired.

The Hornet is not exactly a new airplane. And the 16 is even older. If memory serves correct, the YF-17 was Navy's selection for the F-4 and A-7 follow-on after it was decided that the 16 wouldn't be safe enough around the boat with one engine. (Yet the A-7 was a single engine jet...) The 17 evolved into the Hornet. This from the Navy Fact File (available on www.navy.mil):

General Characteristics, C and D models
Primary Function: Multi-role attack and fighter aircraft.Contractor: Prime: McDonnell Douglas; Major Subcontractor: Northrop.Date Deployed: November 1978. Operational - October 1983 (A/B models); September 1987 (C/D models).


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[SIG600]

The last of the Hornets Lot 21 (I think) were built in '99. But yeah, like he said, there are some old ones out there.

 

[CA1900]

This seems very appropriate right now:

Iceman - The Later Years


:beer:

 

[skipro101]

omg that is hilarious!

 

[TankerDriver]

One of my favorite fighters. It's cool to be able to say I passed gas to some of the last Tomcat combat missions (Nov '05 through Jan '06).

 

[Weasel Keeper]

The Hornet is not exactly a new airplane. And the 16 is even older. If memory serves correct, the YF-17 was Navy's selection for the F-4 and A-7 follow-on after it was decided that the 16 wouldn't be safe enough around the boat with one engine. (Yet the A-7 was a single engine jet...) The 17 evolved into the Hornet. This from the Navy Fact File (available on www.navy.mil):

General Characteristics, C and D models
Primary Function: Multi-role attack and fighter aircraft.Contractor: Prime: McDonnell Douglas; Major Subcontractor: Northrop.Date Deployed: November 1978. Operational - October 1983 (A/B models); September 1987 (C/D models).



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You're correct. My quote about the "new jet on the block" had to do with the Tomcat. Relatively speaking, the 16 and 18 were more the "new jets on the block" when the Phantoms were being retired. The Tomcats are almost as old as the Phantoms. They are about the same age as the A-10 and F-15...so which is next? :erm:

 

[VVJM265]

Weasel Keeper,

I see what you were saying now. Sad to see all these great airplanes being put to bed. At least half a dozen Navy types have gone to rest since I've been in.

 

[pkober]

Good Job Supa and Obie !

CLAMBAKE

 

[lowtimedriver]

I don't think ole Chuck could get it aboard.

Uh, I'd bet that ole Chuck could still outfly most of us pudnockers on this board.............