One less F-14 to worry about.

[CCIP]

It still continues to puzzle me how (and more importantly, why) Iran continues to operate such a complex aircraft when they have no support from the manufacturer and have to bend over backwards for spare parts and upgrades, especially when I can't see what capability the F-14 offers them that they couldn't get from something more accessible and easily-maintainable

[TLAM Strike]

Originally Posted by CCIP

It still continues to puzzle me how (and more importantly, why) Iran continues to operate such a complex aircraft when they have no support from the manufacturer and have to bend over backwards for spare parts and upgrades, especially when I can't see what capability the F-14 offers them that they couldn't get from something more accessible and easily-maintainable

1st:
Big honking air to air missiles:


2nd: It can hit Israel with only one mid air refueling while the Su-24 or F-4 needs 2-3.



edit: 3rd: The only "new" jets they've gotten "lately" were some MiG-29s and those are not in the most awe inspiring condition.


Its possible that if the Iranians get more accurate IRBMs and more SLCMs they might phase the F-14 out of service but I doubt it; I think they will run them in to the ground before getting rid of them.

[CCIP]

Originally Posted by TLAM Strike

I think they will run them in to the ground.

Well then, looks like they're doing a pretty good job of that then

20-something F-14s against the IDF also seems like a pretty difficult proposition. I really can't see that going very far.
What sort of big honking AAMs do they have on those, anyway? Do they seriously still have any working AIM-54s anymore (and that's assuming they ever actually worked)?

[TLAM Strike]

Originally Posted by CCIP

Well then, looks like they're doing a pretty good job of that then

20-something F-14s against the IDF also seems like a pretty difficult proposition. I really can't see that going very far.
What sort of big honking AAMs do they have on those, anyway? Do they seriously still have any working AIM-54s anymore (and that's assuming they ever actually worked)?

You not going to believe this...

Its a HAWK SAM...



Other than those the Iranians have maybe 50 or so AIM-54s, and apparently Iran's AIM-54s laid down the pain on the Iraqi Air Force, the Iranians claim a 164-1 kill ratio with the Tomcat. (for whatever that is worth ) Something like 20-30 AIM-54 hits; incl. a 3fer on a flight of floggers (try saying that when your drunk!)

[CCIP]

Alright Iran, you win this one. Just when I thought their military couldn't get any weirder than their flying magical speedboats of doom, it does

What do they use for an AGM, a wire-guided torpedo with rocket boosters strapped to it?

[TLAM Strike]

Originally Posted by CCIP

Alright Iran, you win this one. Just when I thought their military couldn't get any weirder than their flying magical speedboats of doom, it does

I got four words for you: Kamikaze Jet Ski Boat:

What do they use for an AGM, a wire-guided torpedo with rocket boosters strapped to it?

The phrase "Cluster Missile" comes to mind...

[Lord_magerius]

The words cluster "something else" come to mind

[Herr-Berbunch]

Originally Posted by TLAM Strike

The phrase "Cluster Missile" comes to mind...

It's like a JP233 with wings