Expected A2G capability?

[Voyager]

Rather interested in the F-14, but wanted to understand what the expected multi-role and A2G capabilities we are and will be getting with the plane.

 

Basically I want to understand what it can and cannot do, and how it stacks up to the other US multi role fighters, such as the Hornet, or a future Strike Eagle, before I decide to dive in.

 

Thank you,

 

Harry Voyager

[TLTeo]

A2G capabilities are all implemented, the only thing that's missing is Jester operating Lantirn.

 

 

The Tomcat can use unguided rockets (although in real life they were cleared but the US Navy never employed them), Mk81/82/83/84 dumb bombs, Rockeyes, and GBU-series bombs that can be self lased. Eventually it got JDAM but the specific Tomcat we have does not have capability. No Maverick, Harm or Harpoon.

[GrizzlyBear83]

Dumb bombs, cluster munitions, Zuni rockets and LGBs, and the LANTIRN. If (and a big if) we get a F-14D we'll likely also have JDAM. Heatblur, from posts here, rather want to do a D than an upgraded B-model (that did also carry JDAM in the real world). Our Tomcat is a mid 1990s F-14 so no modern HUD or a backseat MFD.

 

The F-14 does not carry any sort of stand off weaponry like Mavericks, SLAMERs, HARMs, Harpoons and so forth.

 

The Tomcat carries up to four GBU 10/12/16s and two 24s. In regards to dumb bombs it was in real life cleared to carry four dumb bombs, but it was tested with a lot more. The DCS Tomcat can have up to 18 Mk82s for instance.

[draconus]

http://www.heatblur.se/F-14Manual/weapons.html#f-14b-loadout-diagram

Basically dumb bombs, cluster, LGBs, ZUNI rockets, TALD and some recce stuff. So not at all like Strike Eagle or Hornet but pretty good choice. Forget about SEAD or Mavericks though.

[Voyager]

So how do its counter measures stack up?

[Deano87]

So how do its counter measures stack up?

 

Just like most other aircraft, they are as good as the person controlling them ;)

 

Don't take this the wrong way but it rather seems like you're missing the point of the Tomcat. Its not about it being the most capable aircraft in the battlefield, It probably isn't in various ways, thanks to its age and lack of certain modern systems. But what it IS is the most fun you and a friend can have inside DCS (I'd wager to say any flight sim) right now. Multicrew with the F-14 is an absolute hoot, you're missing out if you don't give it a try.

[DarkStar79]

Just like most other aircraft, they are as good as the person controlling them ;)

 

Don't take this the wrong way but it rather seems like you're missing the point of the Tomcat. Its not about it being the most capable aircraft in the battlefield, It probably isn't in various ways, thanks to its age and lack of certain modern systems. But what it IS is the most fun you and a friend can have inside DCS (I'd wager to say any flight sim) right now. Multicrew with the F-14 is an absolute hoot, you're missing out if you don't give it a try.

 

Thats exactly right! The F18 is probably better in every way. But nothing compares to the feel and quality of the airplane. Its a beast that takes skill to master for sure. No fly by wire or anything. And when you turn on the walkman in the cockpit with Top Gun music its just amazing. :-)

[Stratos]

Hope we could get JDAM capability one day.

[kengou]

To the OP, the F-14 is not expected to get any further ordnance or ground capability I am aware of. It can use the LANTIRN (not Jester yet, but eventually) and drop dumb bombs, laser guided bombs, and rockets. It's a very accurate bombing platform and can carry a lot of bombs. It also has lots of gas and can loiter pretty well thanks to the variable sweep wings. But that's pretty much it.

 

 

 

Compared to the Hornet it is pretty inferior, aside from range and speed and having a current working targeting pod. Hornet will eventually get a targeting pod (none yet) as well as tons of guided munitions like JDAM, JSOW, SLAM-ER, Harpoon. It already has Mavericks and HARMs making it superior at anti-armor and SEAD/DEAD missions.

 

 

Strike Eagle should probably end up being the ideal strike platform but it is many years off from DCS.