IMHO the best looking plane the USN ever had...

^^ Sadly, that may hold true... It's aging though and is one hell of a bird to keep up.

Originally posted by ChrisRT
It is extremely difficult to get any reliable estimates of just how many Iranian F-14As were in service at any one time during the war, with planes having been deliberately cannibalized to keep some flying. In the summer of 1984, it is estimated that Iran could fly only 15-20 Tomcats, maintaining them largely by cannibalization. Very often, Tomcat served in a mini-AWACS role by virtue of their powerful radars and was deliberately not risked in combat.

[edit on 24-12-2004 by ChrisRT]

That is funny since 25 of them flew over tehran in a formation in 1985

If that's true, that�s true. Whether it is or isn�t, that�s such a small number only ~10 years after their delivery its only logical to assume that they only have a few left in flying condition, no?

Originally posted by ChrisRT
If that's true, that�s true. Whether it is or isn�t, that�s such a small number only ~10 years after their delivery its only logical to assume that they only have a few left in flying condition, no?

I wouldnt say so because Iran sarted overhauling them in the early 90s and did a good job at it. I posted an article in the other thread about it.

www.abovetopsecret.com...

[edit on 24-12-2004 by Sep]

From a young age I've always been partial to the Intruder. It just looks so sleek and dangerous.

ttjstk.myrice.com..." target="_blank" class="postlink" rel="nofollow"> ttjstk.myrice.com...

I have a place for the A-6 also... There are EA-6Bs based up the county from me. I occasionally see them on high finals...

Anyone dig the Phantom?
Last one was put out of USAF service last week...



And last but certainly not least the A-7 (SLUG) built on the F-8 frame.



[edit on 25-12-2004 by ChrisRT]

certainly NOT the prettiest plane

It says here that the Vigilante was designed as a carrier-based nuclear bomber. It seems like a huge mistake to get a bomber designed and built before the Air Force desides that the Navy is engaged in mission creep.

It's a good thing it had other uses. This is the first time I have ever seen or heard of one. I think its a nice looking plane too.

www.vectorsite.net...

[edit on 04/12/25 by GradyPhilpott]

I have always liked the F-4 as well, I have seen British F-4's in an airshow but they didn't have much time so they only did a fly by but it was a beautiful sight in the late afternoon...

Originally posted by ChrisRT
Anyone dig the Phantom?
Last one was put out of USAF service last week...

The F-4 is probably my favorite aircraft of all time.

Yes, it is a beautiful Navy plane, but it is far too new to be the MOST beautiful. You have to go back to the fifties and earlier. F8F Bearcat, F4U Corsair, or F6F Hellcat.

Corsairs are very nice, and the fact they had 4 20mm guns, even though they weren't as fast firing as the M61...

How do you all feel about the F-9F Panther?





F-3H Demon

What the heck is the last pic?

It's a F-3 Demon... Back in the early 50s. A few hundred where in service.

F14? F3? F9? A2?


You guys ALL have it WRONG!! Just plain wrong. Clearly the SEXIEST bird ever to set to the air was/is the P51 Mustang. Man you guys are confused!!!




[edit on 3-1-2005 by skippytjc]

The P51 is not a NAVY plane. Ted Williams, YES THAT TED WILLIAMS, flew the beautiful F9F in Korea.

Originally posted by skippytjc
F14? F3? F9? A2?


You guys ALL have it WRONG!! Just plain wrong. Clearly the SEXIEST bird ever to set to the air was/is the P51 Mustang. Man you guys are confused!!!

Well, from my avatar you can see that I full well agree with you but I thought we were talking about naval aircraft.

I know I know, the Mustang was never a Navy plane, but it should have been.

How about the Corsair as the UGLIEST Navy plane to ever fly?



[edit on 3-1-2005 by skippytjc]

[edit on 3-1-2005 by skippytjc]

I actually have a soft spot for the old corsair, not because it's a beauty, but it's just...I dunno...must be the name...