Originally posted by BlueRaja
But how much more in terms of avionics could you fit into the F-14 though, and if they'd been armed with the AAAM, that'd be a very potent A2A
platform- (you can fit a much bigger AESA in the nose of the F-14). All that's hypothetical, but the range and payload would still be superior in
any event.
Whats the point? The Super Hornet was designed form the ground up with new technology, it's not just the radar and missiles. It's
avionics and sensors suite would still be more advanced than any upgraded F-14, some systems you
can't just add on unless you originally integrated them into the design. The Super Hornet would still be more maneuverable and stealthy than any
F-14. As for payload, the Rhino has 11 wepaons stations compared to 6, it can carry over 17,000 lb compared to 13,000 for the Tomcat. Also, the Hornet
has a much larger wepaons inventory. It can carry virtually any available munition in the US arsenal, the Tomcat's arsenal was much more limited in
comparison. At the end of the day you would still have an old and worn out airframe that has outlived it's purpose and usefulness.
