I think that some of you are't quite understanding what I meant by this poll. I'm not trying to compare the F-14A/B/D with the F/A-18E/F, rather the proposed F-14 upgrades that were put forwards that would have given the F-14 comparable capabilities to the then proposed super hornet.
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The F-18 was designed for all kinds of missions. F-14's cannot laser designate *any* targets. It cannot carry a laser pod. The A/B/C/D's couldn't designate their own targets; the E/F can.
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This is not true, during the mid-late 90's all remaining F-14A/B/D's in service, with the exception of the few TARPS capable birds assigned to each squadron, were modified to carry the LANTIRN FLIR and laser targeting pod. The F-14's performed precision strikes with LGB's in Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq, in addition to maintaining air-to-air capability. Therefore for the past decade or so the Tomcat has been truly a multi-role platform, and with its recon abilities, even more flexible than the Hornet. In addition the F/A-18A/B/C/D's could designate targets for LGB's with their Knighthawk targeting pods. This is not a capability unique to the E/F.