US's Most Capable Fighter Makes 12 MiG Planes Back Down Without Firing a Shot

The initial conflict to expel the Iraqi troops from Kuwait began with an aerial and naval bombardment on January 17, 1991. Some of the first American aircraft to fly over the Iraqi skies that morning were four F-14 Tomcats from United States Navy Strike Fighter Squadron 32.
The Tomcat pilots had strict orders to stay with their strike team to protect electronic warfare and other aircraft at all costs instead of chasing and engaging enemy aircraft.
But when 12 airborne enemy aircraft approached the formation, the American pilots had to think fast.
It was the very first day of Operation Desert Storm, and what the dozen Iraqi fighters did next took everyone by surprise…
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Join Dark Skies as we explore the world of aviation with cinematic short documentaries featuring the biggest and fastest airplanes ever built, top-secret military projects, and classified missions with hidden untold true stories. Including US, German, and Soviet warplanes, along with aircraft developments that took place during World War I, World War 2, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, the Gulf War, and special operations mission in between.
As images and footage of actual events are not always available, Dark Skies sometimes utilizes similar historical images and footage for dramatic effect and soundtracks for emotional impact. We do our best to keep it as visually accurate as possible.
All content on Dark Skies is researched, produced, and presented in historical context for educational purposes. We are history enthusiasts and are not always experts in some areas, so please don't hesitate to reach out to us with corrections, additional information, or new ideas.

[@allenallen5005]

The F-14 Tomcat is one of the most beautiful aircraft ever built.

[@vernonhurley1300]

Just behind the P51 mustang D for me. Not sure where the SR71 fits its so beautiful as well.

[@roblees6554]

The Avro Arrow with it's Iroquois engines could do mach 2 in the 1950's it was the best fighter and looking plane, for some reason it was scrapped, perhaps the Americans did not want Canada with the best fighter plane

[@pjoneal12]

"one of"? Lol. Too true, too true...

[@aediasnaini4918]

For me mig23 flip wing is the most beatiful

[@allenallen5005]

@@aediasnaini4918 opinions vary. Lol

[@clintonreisig]

F-14 had a top speed which is still nearly the fastest fighter among today's fighters. Fast, very long range, tremendous loadout ... what a fighter!

[@manofchaitea6904]

Its top speed was actually mach 2.5, same as the F15 but the navy limited it to mach 2.34

[@user-ex4si2md6r]

There is an old expression amung fighter pilots....."When everything goes wrong......a Grumman will get you home."

[@ecleveland1]

Even with all the new variants of the F-35 and the Super Hornets the US Navy doesn’t have the capacity or capability that the F-14 provided. The F-14 was deemed to expensive to operate minus the Cold War and the loss of the Soviet bomber threat.

[@user-ex4si2md6r]

@@ecleveland1 stealth is what the united states'is looking for.

[@Mdolfinfan77]

Idk if it is because of my age, but the F-14 Tomcat is and always will be my favorite fighter plane of all time.

[@brianpayne2478]

I fly remote control planes. It’s currently in my “hangar” (I have one, it’s just not built yet).

[@Mdolfinfan77]

@notfiveo the fact they made these to fight and train against the Russian mig is insane and how they can maneuver for being a bigger aircraft is cool and maybe topgun when I was a kid also had something to do with this 🤭😅. Growing up F-16, F-15 and F-14 and SR-71 I idolized. Me and my gramps saw a Sr-71 fly over us it was the loudest thing I've ever heard besides being next to an alcohol race car!!. We lived in oceanside ca at the time. I'm just a fan.

[@theothertroll]

So what? 🤪

[@charlessanders4337]

@notfiveo except the 4th Gen fighters are all faster than the 5th Gens. The tech on the 5th Gen is what gives it the advantage.

[@That_Guy_Says_Hi]

The P-38 would like a word. As would the Supermarine Spitfire.

[@cdmorrissy3692]

I was in VF-124 (Top Gun) at Fighter town, NAS Miramar in 1974, and I felt pretty proud of our F-14's, and when I was transferred to VF-1, aboard The Enterprise in 1975, I worked as a Plane Captain, on The Flight Deck, and the F-14 was designed very well for shipboard launch and recovery.

[@slactweak]

I was in VF-51 at Fighter Town USA from '83 to '86. I did the WestPac portion of the '83 World Cruise, the '84-'85 WestPac and the '86 RimPac, on the Carl Vinson. I was an AT and I knew all the pilots who flew the F-14's in the movie Top Gun. The ready room scene was filmed in our sister squadron's, (VF-111), ready room at Miramar. For us Electronics types, the Tomcat was a PITA but I gotta say it was one H*LL of an aircraft.

[@backcountryme]

That is so cool both of you. Thank you both for your service.

[@johnroberts7018]

Buddy I envy you. Sincerely. And of course, thank you for your service!

[@bradclifton5248]

The greatest successes of any military is to never be used to its full potential.

[@johntrottier1162]

I was an EM1 (RPE) on the USS Enterprise CVN65 in the 70's. We were the first carrier to get the F14 and the first to deploy with them. They still are the best looking aircraft the Navy ever had.

[@BrianRhodes9763]

The 4 F-14's from VF-32 was not a strike fighter squadron. It was a fighter squadron. VF-32 later became VFA-32, that's when it became a Strike Fighter Squadron. I was a Gypsy Swordsmen (VF-32) from June 85' to June 87'. Edited: I apologize if I misrepresented myself, I was not a Naval Aviator. I was and (AMS2) Airframe and Hydraulic Mechanic 2nd Class.

[@donalddowning4108]

I was with an A-7 squadron, VA-305, that transitioned to FA-18’s. Some people might have got confused when they started the ‘Bombcat’ program. What a waste.

[@gamerelated3887]

Thank you for your service, sir! That must have been the experience of a lifetime!!

[@BrianRhodes9763]

@@gamerelated3887 Oh the sea stories I could share. If I had to do it over I would only change a few things, mostly my attitude...hahaha. Thank you for your kind words.

[@krapeevids6992]

Not too sure what any of that means but it sounds pretty damn cool. Thanks for your service!

[@nommadd5758]

I was an AQ way back when. The Tomcat will always be my favorite bird! Glad I could help keep you guys in the air! Thank you for your service sir!!

[@kyriakos2706]

5:33 the AWG-9 was the radar that the tomcat had ,not an air to air misille

[@plingket2102]

i identify as an AWG-9

[@Stratocastter]

@@plingket2102 lol

[@brobearbrobear0464]

And AIM-9s are infrared not radar. PDS TT isn't a radar mode either as far as i know, but Pulse Doppler (PD) is a mode and Single Target Track (STT) can be used with it.

[@WolfA4]

Yeah this channel doesn't seem to focus much on research.

[@geemanbmw]

​@@WolfA4BINGO!🎯

[@enigma3474]

F-14 still is the best looking fighter.

[@8eg]

Fr

[@andysharlofsky627]

You got that right! My plane was the A 7 but they were awesome on the flight deck 😊

[@kimchi2780]

@@andysharlofsky627 A7 was the coolest looking plane but the best looking plane ever is the B-58 Hustler.

[@markadams2907]

Especially when you add the cool factor of the Jolly Rogers

[@user-tq6pg9jf6y]

You got to go V if your going to go Stealth ! V . Your going throw them all off ! V IT !

[@HiTechOilCo]

The F-14 Tomcat should still be in the air and to this day can do things no other plane in the world can!

[@PhilTParker]

It’s a shame that this beautiful and amazingly powerful airframe was retired. She went away before her time, for sure.

[@thystaff742]

Especially since they could have been greatly improved with new engines and materials to be made from. Like anything else, it's politics that kill great things. Just look at budlight.

[@juniordaddyman]

The military leaders of this era; real men of genius, not!!!

[@shlug]

​@@thystaff742 budlight was never great )

[@thystaff742]

@shlug The beer wasn't great. However, the story behind it and the cheap buzz is what gave its appeal. I'm a fan of microbreweries myself, but it's not cheap to drink real beer in America.

[@1014p]

What we have now exceeds it in many ways. However per a comment below, take design back to drawing board and improve it. Technology we have now could make it very dangerous among current offerings.

[@chr0min0id]

One of the coolest naval fighters in history…

[@albusplaustrum06]

Nothing looks cooler than F-14s with the jolly roger. Always loved the Tomcat and the Eagle. Maybe something about the twin vertical stabilizers and twin engines.

[@whatsreal7506]

One of my favorites for certain!

[@removerinnawoods8536]

That w i d e lifting body makes her look thicc Heard she dances pretty good for a fat girl

[@Stratocastter]

No, the coolest without a doubt. Nothing was cooler than an F-14.

[@slate4687]

Maybe the coolest

[@daviddewald4540]

F-14 was not built as a strike fighter that was the f-18 and F-16. F-14s didn't become capable strike frighters until the Delta variant which got the nickname Bombcat.

[@2ZZGE100]

Yep. F-14 Tomcat was all about covering the full spectrum of air-to-air. Long range, medium range and short range dogfighting, but Grumman had "hardwired" the F-14 Tomcat in the 70s with air-to-ground avionics as well as software that went with it anticipating it might become a strike fighter one day.

[@dandychiggins8329]

All Varients were strike capable. It just was not implemented until the mid 90’s when the intruder was retired.

[@daviddewald4540]

@@dandychiggins8329 yes all variants were able to drop bombs although they were not allowed to until the 90s and didn't receive a targeting pod until then. Point still stands F-14 was purpose built fighter/intercepter that later became a capable strike aircraft.

[@AudiA6Q]

F-14 was actually designed as a strike fighter / interceptor (all bombing modes built in), but due to the F-111B controversy and Navy's argument against it at the time, at first the F-14 was only allowed to be spoken of as an A-A platform. I think the F-16 was originally meant strictly as a fighter as well but gained all other missions capabilities through the years

[@2ZZGE100]

@@AudiA6Q Also, failure of F-111B was because of poor performance, maneuverability and carrier landing, which is why F-14 was conceived to be a proper fighter that could also do well in dogfighting if necessary, but it was not its primary mission.

[@cammando2363]

It’s a damned shame that they retired this beast of a machine. I know it’s a couple generations out of date, but it’s still a hell of a plane.

[@midnightgt46]

its only 1 gen out of date the F-14 is a 4th gen fighter

[@coachwilson5967]

If they were less costly to maintain (per hr of flight time) there would still be at least 3 per carrier & a few on land.

[@johnlacambra6004]

Because reckless politicians thought it was awesome to sell our prized technology to Iran at the time. It isn't budget problems, that's bullshit when you have like 9 10 or 11 air craft carriers ready at any moment noticed just patrolling the globe and most countries don't have one or even close to having one and the onse that do are your allies and the case of China.

[@d.e.b.b5788]

Seems all the planes are 'hell of a plane's. search for fighter planes, and every single one is referred to as the best at some point.

[@johnlacambra6004]

@@d.e.b.b5788No the truth is all 4rth generation fighter's if all pilots were the same pilot in all the 4rth gen planes at once then the f16 will come out on top. It was designed to be the most maneuverable of them all. So in an air to air dogfight it is either you can maneuver the best or you fly away as fast as you can before the more maneuverable fighter gets a lock on you.

[@trixrabbit8792]

Back in 04 I flew into Camp anaconda in Iraq for a 3 day training detail with one of my mechanics. There had been a break down in communications between our unit on Victory North and the unit that was hosting us. Each unit thought the other had arranged transport for us from the air field to the host units AO. The 2 of us got to sit on the tarmac and watch sorties come and go every 15 minutes for the rest of the night. The F14’s are awesome to watch. They would hit the end of the runway and stand on their tails. It was like watching rockets launch. A quick run up to speed and then just shoot straight up into the darkness. All you could see was the blue red flame disappear into the thunder of the launch. As an army ground pounder it was a treat to watch.

[@doraexplora9046]

The best I've seen up close is the F18. That was at a Red Bull air race. That thing is big, powerful and scary. It flew over the grand stand and rearranged everyone's clothes and head gear. It then went around doing its impressive rolls etc. but it was the ending that had everyone literally going 'AAAAWE'. That thing flew over us at about 300', went out across the water and then literally went vertical as in a right angle turn and shot up into the ceiling and became less than a speck in about 3-4secs. The commentator said how impressive that these aircraft are flown by 25yo, who he said were old for this aircraft. These jets aren't even in service any more! Scariest thing I've ever seen fly over my head.

[@Matterian]

Feb of 2006 was a dark month for aviation. There was just something about the Tomcat. used for Animation as transforming Mechs or even Decepticons.

[@bigballzmcdrawz2921]

And Razgriz from Ace Combat 5.

[@BigJim12860]

The F-14 was a beast to work on and maintain, it requited many hours of maintenance for each hour of flight. That seriously impacted and degraded readiness.

[@MrNota500]

That was the reason it got retired, it cost so much to keep it flying. The F-14 is miles ahead of the f-18 but it all came down to the budget.

[@kimchi2780]

Over the years your videos have got so much better and enjoyable. Thank you for slowing down when you speak because your content is amazing.

[@the5thmusketeer215]

I too recall when he spoke quicker & could be hard to understand… 😊 But at the same time, his very distinctive voice & “urgent” sounding style of delivery (as unique as William Shatner’s signature stop/start voice acting technique) is one of the most enjoyable aspects of this channel. It really adds to the narrative impact of some of the dramatic events that are documented in these videos & greatly enhances the overall experience & sense of drama that is conveyed while watching them.

[@NKBobcat]

I served in RVAH-6 (RA-5C Vigilantes) as part of Carrier Air Group 8 (CAG-8) on the USS Nimitz from July 76 to the end of 77. We had F-14 Tomcats from VF-41 and V-84. We also had A-6 Intruders (VA-35), EA-6B Prowlers (VAQ-135), A-7 Corsairs {VA-82, VA-86), S-3 Vikings (VS-24), E-2B Hawkeyes (VAW-112), and H-3 Sea Kings (HS-9) with support from C-1 (COD), C-2 Greyhound, and H-53 Sea Stallions. I was a RA-5C Plane Captain and spent my time working nights on the flight deck. Just mentioning all of those aircraft brought back great memories. Thank you!

[@jyy9624]

My uncle who worked for the state dept posted to the Philippines embassy took his son and me to Subic for a vip tour of the Nimitz. I saw all the planes and learned the distinct roles of each, including the tomcat. I was 10 years old and in hog heaven, and it still is the most incredible tour I have ever had

[@BradleySkaggsNYC]

Perhaps the "Final Countdown" had someting to do with it when I was kid, but the Tomcat is still my favorite fighter. The sweep wings are still so cool. Such an amazing piece of engineering.

[@thomastrankle426]

I loved that movie! What could be cooler? F-14's dogfighting with Japanese Zeros!

[@BradleySkaggsNYC]

@@thomastrankle426 And no CGI!

[@tombearclaw]

I’m going to guess that part of the calculation of withholding strike missions from Tomcats was to minimize chances of being shot down in such close proximity to Iran, so as to minimize the chance of them being able to salvage any parts from downed aircraft

[@chriscoyle6193]

Was very happy to have worked with Tomcats on Independence in the gulf. Just sitting on the flight deck with the wings overfolded and the nose slightly lowered, the front view of the aircraft gives one that predatory sense. I'm pretty sure all Tomcats were "D"'s on all carriers in 91/92. Ward Carroll has a great channel as he was a RIO on F-14's btw. The F/A-18 was much less maintenance than the Tomcats even though they are both 4th gen. Had an uncle that flew tomcats but he croaked before I could get any stories out of him....RIP uncle Bill

[@deejayimm]

When the wings are swept back, it's just so damn good looking that even if it was a hunk of crap, you could still love it. When you find out it looks that good AND it was pretty badass, that's just impressive design and engineering by Grumman...

[@2ZZGE100]

F-14 Tomcat forever. "Anytime Baby!"

[@Chris-ok4zo]

The exact moment I saw F-14s engaged in Aerial combat, first thing that comes to mind is Tom Cruise and Kenny Loggins.

[@MrNota500]

Did Tom Cruise make the F-14 iconic or did the F-14 make Tom Cruise iconic? I vote the latter.

[@Chris-ok4zo]

@@MrNota500 I mean, if you know movies, if you think of one, you may or may not think of the other.

[@polarking888]

This content is gold for military aviation buffs

[@AT2Productions]

Except for the details the script writer got wrong. Such as VF-32 being a “Fighter Squadron”, not a “Strike Fighter Squadron”, those are VFA designated units. Or the fact that the F-14 didn’t get the Air-to-Ground role until late in its service life. Before that capability was added, the Tomcat was given reconnaissance and forward air controller tasks and training.

[@TheEudaemonicPlague]

Ever since they came along, the F-14 Tomcat has always been my favorite fighter jet. They're the most beautiful thing in the air. I still have (most of) the model I bought in the 70s. I should find a new one, and do it up right...I didn't paint my model, and a couple of small parts have disappeared. I joined the navy in 1985, and am a plankowner for USS Theodore Roosevelt, where I finally got to see them close up. I'll never forget hanging out on vulture's row, watching night flights...while tripping on acid. I'm somewhat disappointed that they had to be replaced with something more modern, with capabilities they don't have, but that's what happens...time stops for no one.

[@flyboy38a]

This brings back some memories. I flew the E-2C Hawkeyes with VAW-126 off of the Kennedy during this time. We were incredibly lucky during that conflict because we lost no one on the entire ship as well as the air wing during that cruise/war. We were not so lucky the following year when we lost an E-2 to hydraulic failure/fire with all 5 crew members lost. I believe one of the F/A-18 squadrons lost their XO when he flew into the ground or at least hit something close to the ground during that same few weeks in the Puerto Rico Operating area. I was back home recovering from having a hole drilled into my skull to relieve a sinus block. So to this day I wonder how close I dodged the bullet when Closeout 602 went down. Ironically the plane had my name on it which freaked my family out a lot. Hard to believe that I left that squadron 30 years ago next month.

[@fredflux2738]

Jesus, thank you for your service 🫡. From an airmen- do you think the navy is going to unmanned aircraft exclusively? I was curious about this- considering craft like the E2 and the Prowler with all the anti-warfare gear on the craft, could that be operated remotely?

[@BrianRhodes9763]

I was an AMS2 with VF-32 on the Kennedy for the 86'-87' cruise.

[@flyboy38a]

@@BrianRhodes9763 So you where there before the shootdown of the Libyan fighter jets. I did not get to my squadron until Jul 1990 so I missed that excitement as well, but Shield and Storm were enough for me. I keep forgetting which squadron was the Top Hats and which one was the Swordsmen.

[@flyboy38a]

@@fredflux2738 I think we will go with a mixture of the two for the near future. There are too many possible ways for jamming or some other interference to cause problems for the aircraft. But who knows what advancements in technology will happen over the next few decades. We may very well get a solid grip on quantum entanglement and so develop unbreakable and instantaneous communications with our aircraft to the point where remote control will be the best way to go. Only time will tell.

[@BrianRhodes9763]

@@flyboy38a Yes, I got to the VF-32 in June of 85' and transitioned from active duty in June of 87'. I missed the shoot down by 1 cruise. I am still in contact with several of the flight deck crew in my old squadron that did make that cruise. VF-32 (VFA-32 now) are the Swordsmen and VF-14 (VFA-14 now) are the Tophatters.

[@stephenrothwell8142]

Love your narrating matey. I've been watching your channels for a while now. Take care. ❤

[@MRptwrench]

During my tour of service I was able to get pretty close to all the Navy carrier fixed wing, and a few rotary wing aircraft. The Hornets were my favorite, but I was young. The Tomacats were HUGE! Both in size, and in respect and duty carried.

[@crazydaisy1334]

Is that why the Tomacat maintenance costs was much more than the Hornet?

[@magedradwan2459]

In real fight the F14 is the best , cost worth to win the real battle...

[@Chris_at_Home]

My son worked cats 1&2 on the GW in the mid 90s. He said the Tomcats were rough on the cats because of their weight.

[@crazydaisy1334]

@@Chris_at_Home make sense. The tomcats were huge and the maintenance costs were high. That’s too bad as the tomcat was awesome in the sky and the long range was useful.

[@johnroberts7018]

The greatest Navy fighter of all time in my opinion. What an absolute beast. I’ve seen people comment “if it was so great why’s they retire it? And from what I understand it was because it was so expensive to upkeep. F-18 is simpler, cheaper to maintain. But I think head to head the Tomcat is better.

[@BrianRhodes9763]

That is only part of the reason. Yes it was more expensive to maintain, however, the ST-21 program (Super Tomcat for the 21st century) was a proposal to replace the F-14. The MAIN reason the F-14 is no longer in the inventory is the Secretary of Defense dick cheney (I intentionally spelled that lower case for a reason) and Grumman got into a pissing contest (so I've been told) and Grumman lost. cheney, for some reason had something against Grumman.

[@andyby]

Your work on these videos is great!

[@michaelsparrow8033]

F14 was originally built as an INTERCEPTOR! Strike was an add on relatively late in it's heritage. JS

[@NICOLAI_VET]

The F14 was not a strike fighter. It was designed and adopted as an air superiority fighter with the protection of a carrier group against all air threats. It wasn't converted into a fighter-bomber before the end of the 1980's.

[@lizzardwizard2000]

Exactly, It was a Fleet Defense aircraft.

[@elijahhodges4405]

Possibly still the greatest fighter ever built.

[@rickmenasian6774]

My father was head of production support for the Tomcat. RIP, Dad.

[@mclarenscca]

Great stuff! Thank you!

[@DiegoSanchez-or5ez]

Saw one of your videos and subscribed Immediately

[@glenn8478]

@Dark Skies As a narrator, you are perfect👍 Keep up the good work!👌😊

[@richardpayne2625]

I watched them test those at the Grumman facility in Calverton in the very early 1970, very impressive.

[@raulcastro925]

The 'TomCat' was under used and a true beauty of a bird.

[@OrdinaryDude]

The F-14 was NOT a strike fighter, at least not during this part of history. It was later adapted for ground attack, but that was well after the first gulf war. It was designed as a long range interceptor. LATER they adapted it to be a strike fighter to prolong it's service life so they could retire the A-6 Intruders that were still deployed to the fleet.

[@mattjacomos2795]

I came here to say this...

[@BrianRhodes9763]

And it never had the designation as a strike fighter, although they did call it the Bombcat.

[@ryanomac27]

Well said

[@chrisstancer5857]

The Tomcat was originally designed with strike capability intending to sell them to the Marines. When the Marines didn't buy any Tomcats, the bombing capability was simply never used until the A-6s were retired. I was an AT in VF-2 during Desert Storm 91, I remember seeing schematic traces for bombing capability then.

[@BrianRhodes9763]

@@chrisstancer5857 I think Grumman wanted to sell the F-14 to the Marines, but the Navy had no intention of using the strike capability, they shied away from that type of platform because they used that argument for not taking delivery of the F-111.

[@fatmangoboom7722]

Great video love your channel

[@wills2140]

Fun Fact : the F 14 came to be because the Navy could not turn the F - 111 into a viable ship borne fighter, despite McNamara's desires. No big surprise there as the Air Force could not use the F - 111 as a fighter either, they made it a strike bomber. But the large engines were initially reused in the same twin layout on the F - 14 A. Still a shame that Chaney ended the use of the great Tomcat.

[@thomastrankle426]

"Chaney ended the use of the great Tomcat" Is that Dick Cheney? I didn't know that he was the one that pulled the plug.

[@darkalman]

Leave it to an A-4 pilot to kill the Tomcat

[@wills2140]

Yes, sorry. Dick Cheney* came into the Nixon White House as a staffer and liked some of McNamara's ideas on streamlining military procurement and spending. As Sec Def under George H. W. Bush he actually cut spending ( and tried to ignore that Congress had authorised spending on the V - 22 ). As VP under George W. Bush he exercised "oversight" on Defense policy and activities in a few instances ( the response to 9 11 and "enhanced interrogation" most noted ). Cheney had no... affection for the F 14 and thought having them was... a liability that Iran could repair their planes from our stockpiles. He turned out to have a point, Iran had a long running parts smuggling operation to keep their F 14's in service ( Ward has mentioned the parts theft and smuggling in in other videos ).

[@Emanemoston]

Thanks for the video.

[@FunkMasterJunk]

The F-14 is my favorite plane of all time.

[@iainpaton1865]

Please keep the great videos coming friend from Scotland 😊

[@Jack-sr4vl]

Great video, thank you. I like the leading voice, it adds great level of mystery.

[@drmarkintexas-400]

Thank you for sharing 😎🏆🙏🇺🇸

[@theothertroll]

Great videos, informative, good presentations and totally cool narration voice 👍

[@dpjordan75]

The f14 is still my favorite fighter! Mam I love your videos. They are the best documentaries imo. Have you ever considered doing long form documentaries?

[@Elthenar]

The F-14 is arguably the most iconic US fighter of all time for several reasons. One, Top Gun. Gotta get that out of the way. Top Gun made Tom Cruise and F-14's into Megastars. Two, it was the primary carrier bird for the second half of the Cold War. Given that the US Navy carriers were usually the ones responding to trouble, those F-14's got a lot of press. Three, Japan. In the 80's guys like me grew up on Japanese animation and toys. The most famous of transforming aircraft looked just like F-14's, the VF-1 Valkyrie from Macross. There were plenty of others, like Jetfire from Transformers too. They still sell a lot of VF-1 toys and kits to this day.

[@gordonliddy9418]

The f14D had so much potential. Just imagine if it was upgraded to a fly by wire setup. Would've been a game changer.

[@gort8203]

Adding fly by wire to an existing airplane does not make it fly faster, turn tighter, or carry more payload, so it wouldn't be a real "game changer". It might make it harder for the pilot to get into trouble by mishandling the controls, depending on the airplane's flight characteristics.

[@ReTuRneD1]

the F-14 is aerodynamically stable, it doesn't need fly by wire.

[@gort8203]

@@ReTuRneD1 True. But Airbus aircraft are stable, and they get FBW anyway. It does not increase performance, but Airbus thinks it makes them safer and easier to fly by replacing pilot skills with software.

[@ReTuRneD1]

@@gort8203 FBW helps flying it easier, but other fighters straight up need it. Commercial wise it factors into fuel efficiency and autopilot. FBW on the F-14 would remove the need to apply rudder during their turns and idiot-proofs the aircraft to prevent over-g and stall if they go full aft stick at speed.

[@gort8203]

@@ReTuRneD1 So are you trying to agree or disagree with what I said?

[@johnwallace4408]

The F-14A+ was later redesigned the F-14 B according to Ward Carroll former F-14 RIO who flew the F-14A,B,&D!

[@AKlover]

B-D had different engines.

[@BrianRhodes9763]

Ward Carroll was also A Gypsy Swordsmen of VF-32

[@Fearless1247]

Mooch. He has an amazing channel

[@MrNota500]

@@AKlover The A+ and B are the same, they just changed it to B to be less confusing. The A had the original engines which were prone to flame outs.

[@davy1458]

A more handsome bird has never been built.

[@VeeTaperTemplar]

Man your voiceovers could be used for pre workout motivation videos too I like that you can be watched anytime of day not too loud just consistently delivering a story

[@billguernsey6419]

I would love to see a show about “Mike” Boleslaw Gladych. Polish fighter pilot then French, then British. You were born to do great stories this is one.

[@whatsreal7506]

Well done. Cool stuff 😎

[@stoater1551]

Thanks for the tip, I have ordered the book.

[@DashPar]

There is a lot of F15 footage in your F14 documentary. But I love this channel.

[@Minutemman]

The Hornet vs MiG-21 engagement was also a good Desert Storm fight.

[@jeffreyabell]

Thanks

[@gdubya83]

God. That is more awesome than Top Gun. Semper Fi

[@franciscolopez3229]

Aside from the P-51 Mustang and the F-4 Phantom, these F-14 Tomcat are the fighter planes I love the most. Oops, also A-10 Warthog.

[@tawilsquiton9440]

,,Beauty and performance F14 had..👍💕

[@Chris_at_Home]

I remember seeing a F-14 in the spring of 1972 just after it took off going overhead.

[@joegagnon2268]

My goodness that’s beautiful

[@billwatson8616]

The Tomcat is one bad boy fighter plane! Those 50 caliber guns in the wings do serious damage fast! Outside the Phantom and a Blackbird, this is my favorite pane.

[@fatherguidosarduchi5204]

Still a very capable aircraft. Bring it back with some updates!!!!!!

[@WR_CTorch]

I remember the first time I saw a F14 rolling down the taxiway and thinking Jesus Christ the thing is huge. My 2nd thought was “They really land that on a aircraft carrier?” 😂

[@yokoshemp]

The F14 was old technology in '91. The USA wanted and needed to test it's newer weapon systems in actual combat. The space programs really supercharged US technology so that even small gaps in time saw large increases in capability. A plane made in 1970 was not near the equal of one made in 1975.... materials, electronics, and aerodynamics had changed. Some things can be upgraded and some things can't.

[@venturefanatic9262]

My favorite Jet Fighter ever. The the Wings transitioning has always captured my imagination. Can this plane be redesigned with all the new Tech?

[@GeorgeKlinger]

Way too many ads

[@philb1595]

Iranian F-14 Tomcats had been fighting Iraqi Aircraft from 1980-1988, the Iraqis were very familiar with the Tomcats. IRIAF Claims to have as many as 160 kills with F-14s against Iraqi Airforce

[@daemianbox]

Just good memories.

[@richelemarasigan826]

That f14 tomcats with a skull looks so sick💀🦴🦴🔥🔥🔥

[@bernardwilson9387]

F-14 tomcat my favorite jet

[@Gripen90]

The F14 was a BARCAP air superiority fighter first and foremost. The ground strike capabilities first came with the F14B models nicknamed Bombcats.

[@joegagnon2268]

Great stuff 🤤

[@percy9406]

Just a badass plane.

[@dennis954rr01]

Very interesting! Mike C is my neighbor and good friend, when I realized who's channel this was I had a chuckle. Small world!

[@jk-76]

Best looking fighter jet ever.

[@ronaryel6445]

The F-14 was not designed as a strike fighter. Up to about midcareer it carried no air to ground weapons. It was an air dominance fighter and fleet interceptor; the strike roles were reserved for the A-6, A-7, and F/A-18 Hornet. However, it was highly adaptable, and with the addition of sensors, and lasers, crews could bomb targets with a high degree of accuracy. Also, our narrator did not mention the F-14's use in tactical reconnaisance during the Gulf War. The LANTIRN pod came in very handy for that.

[@oldkid8811]

Desert Storm was bad ass. 1990-91 we were like get the popcorn and turn on the news. 24/7 news didn't exist then either.

[@Timetonut]

Great voice.

[@otpyrcralphpierre1742]

I can't believe that they retired this Remarkable aircraft.

[@huwzebediahthomas9193]

Stressed heavy fuselages, they wear out relatively quick. Cheaper to go back to the drawing board and start again.

[@dflesher65]

I wish we would have kept the D models and upgrade the older models. The Super Hornet may have a tough time with a large group and of incoming bombers.

[@michaelvs.scorpio7676]

Ever since I was einen Junge, Ich liebe den F-14 Kater; I always will!! The Variable Wing Geometry or Swing Wing (or Scissor-Wing, as I used to call it when I was little) is what gives it the ability to be BOTH extremely FAST and extremely AGILE at SLOW speeds for HIGH manueverability (while dog-fighting) and to make it easier for LANDING on an Aircraft Carrier!!

[@acortilesso427]

the legend.

[@MarkJacksonGaming]

-- Fighter yes. Strike fighter for sure. But I've always viewed the F-14 as more of an interceptor.

[@johnharris6655]

You have to do the Air Battle of Samurra. F-15 Vs Mig-25.

[@fatmangoboom7722]

F14 was a bad ass fighter, but I can see why they moved to a more cost effective multi role platform. Still one of the best looking fighters ever!

[@viciousvictortee1298]

Wow they really showing alot of....

[@Mcgregor854]

The F-15s were the fighters clearing the skies before and during the war. If you count the Migs shot down by the Eagles the score was 34 of the 38 kills were F-15 kills. The good news for the Navy was no aircraft carriers were lost during the hostiles. Go Navy.

[@MADMAXMALONE1]

Guessing you used some F-14 stock footage for your video. Those F-14's with the skull and cross bones are from VF-84 Jolly Rogers out of N.A.S. Oceana Verginia. I know I was in VA-35 whom now fly the F-18 Hornet, but at the time was still flying A-6 Intruders, AKA Iron Tadpoles. But the info was spot on.

[@backcountryme]

I still hear the Top Gun theme in my head when I see that plane.

[@dasjuggernaut1]

I remember this, I was in country when this happened

[@huwzebediahthomas9193]

Looking at all these aircraft, the most enjoyment I ever had was flying gliders, and it didn't even have a single engine. Real pure natural physics in action. Water dumping fun.

[@philipr.6090]

My father, who retired in 1984, was a senior air force officer and was an air rescue and transport pilot in the early stages of his career. I remember speaking with a fellow colonel and friend of his one day at our home when I was in my late teens. Although he had flown such incredible aircraft as the F-15 eagle, he told me he enjoyed flying gliders the most.

[@kevinquinn7645]

The Iraqis were probably gun shy about the Tomcat due to the 160 aircraft they lost to Iranian F-14s.

[@mythadology]

Is it me or is the tomcat footage at 5:54 and onward, modified to look like Roy Fokker's VF-1s from the Robotech Macross anime? I can't make out the fuselage markings but the skull and crossbones tale is a giveaway.

[@spannerturnerMWO]

Skull Squadron's markings are based on the F-14 squadron, VF-84 "The Jolly Rogers" in their mid-70s livery. Robotech came after the F-14 and utilized the F-14 as the model for their Veritech Fighters.

[@seangelarden9543]

NAVY!