F-14B Cockpit _continued_

[Donut]

1985 - 1995 seems to be the time period they're aiming for. Especially since they've got the AI A-6 coming out as well. By the time Sparrowhawk was introduced, the A-6 was long gone. I do agree that the Sparrowhawk is unnecessary.

 

The LANTIRN pod was introduced to the fleet in 1996 so it would seem that the time period of our Tomcat would extend to at least that year.

[CheckGear]

The LANTIRN pod was introduced to the fleet in 1996 so it would seem that the time period of our Tomcat would extend to at least that year.

 

 

How did the Tomcat drop laser-guided bombs during Operation Deliberate Force in August - September 1995? Buddy-lasing/FAC?

[Dudikoff]

The LANTIRN pod was introduced to the fleet in 1996 so it would seem that the time period of our Tomcat would extend to at least that year.

 

Well, yes and no. When the LTS pod was introduced operationally, it was used with the PTID display, but HB are simulating some supposed test variant where the LTS pod picture was shown on the TID screen (the bowl). These tests were done in 1995.

 

I say supposed, because I don't remember seeing any unambiguous proof that the TID display was used there or even being capable of this.

Edited October 13, 2018 by Dudikoff

[Donut]

How did the Tomcat drop laser-guided bombs during Operation Deliberate Force in August - September 1995? Buddy-lasing/FAC?

 

From what I have read, yes, the targets were lased by Hornets.

[Spiceman]

Well, yes and no. When the LTS pod was introduced operationally, it was used with the PTID display, but HB are simulating some supposed test variant where the LTS pod picture was shown on the TID screen (the bowl). These tests were done in 1995.

 

I say supposed, because I don't remember seeing any unambiguous proof that the TID display was used there or even being capable of this.

 

I can’t say if it was used since that was after my time on Tomcats (I was an AT, got out in 95), but the F-14A TID was certainly capable. One of our favorite time killers was playing with the TCS in the back seat, tracking people walking around the line and whatnot. The RIO was the primary user of the TCS.

[Dudikoff]

I can’t say if it was used since that was after my time on Tomcats (I was an AT, got out in 95), but the F-14A TID was certainly capable. One of our favorite time killers was playing with the TCS in the back seat, tracking people walking around the line and whatnot. The RIO was the primary user of the TCS.

 

There are some TCS shots on the TID in this video and though the video is of poor quality, the screen does seem quite capable as you said.

 

 

Then I guess the main problem would be converting the digital bus output from the LTS pod into the analogue video signal compatible with the TID screen. The question is whether this was done in 1995 or they used the PTID screens straight up?

[Gypsy31]

Then I guess the main problem would be converting the digital bus output from the LTS pod into the analogue video signal compatible with the TID screen. The question is whether this was done in 1995 or they used the PTID screens straight up?

 

From everything I've read, the F-14B did not receive a digital bus until Operation Flight Program 317 (OFP317) was delivered to the fleet in 1997. Included in the OFP317 upgrade was the PTID. It appears they converted the digital signal to analogue from the time the tests started to incorporate the LANTIRN with the F-14 in 1995 until the upgrade of OFP317 in 1997.

[Dudikoff]

From everything I've read, the F-14B did not receive a digital bus until Operation Flight Program 317 (OFP317) was delivered to the fleet in 1997. Included in the OFP317 upgrade was the PTID. It appears they converted the digital signal to analogue from the time the tests started to incorporate the LANTIRN with the F-14 in 1995 until the upgrade of OFP317 in 1997.

 

Yeah, hence why I said if the TID screen was really used for the initial LTS pod test, they most probably needed some D/A video converter or what not.

 

The other option might have been to use a PTID screen in a non-integrated mode (i.e. not integrated with the digital bus and updated software), but just by connecting the LTS pod to it directly. In that case, the tactical display output would need some conversion as well (which I presume outputs an analogue video signal to TID), but for those tests it might have not been necessary as only the LTS functionality might have needed testing.

[CheckGear]

From what I have read, yes, the targets were lased by Hornets.

 

 

K, that's what I figured.