Hobo 1-1 Posted July 13, 2022 Share Posted July 13, 2022 (edited) Hello all, I’ve tried to figure this out using the excellent F-14 reference work at: http://www.anft.net/f-14/ By bureau numbers it looks like we bought the first tranche of new-build A+/B Tomcats in 1986, but allocating money for their manufacture is different than when these same airframes actually deployed to the fleet. Hence, my question. I’m asking because I’m a huge fan of the LK Syria multiplayer server and I’m trying to stay within airframes that are legit for the time. The server is set in 1989. The aircraft allowed on the server are much wider than my self imposed limitations, but for me missions are more challenging (sometimes more frustrating too) but also much more rewarding when I don’t have any time-bending aids from the future. No offense intended to anyone who chooses differently - more power to you! After all, I love the Jeff…..but on a more fitting scenario like Hoggit’s PGAW. Edited July 13, 2022 by Hobo 1-1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wingmate Posted July 13, 2022 Share Posted July 13, 2022 VF-142 and VF-143 were the first fleet squadrons to deploy with the then A+ model, 142 got their first A+ in late March 1989 and did the first deployment of the A+ with 143 in March 1990. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
illegal1984 Posted July 13, 2022 Share Posted July 13, 2022 (edited) @Wingmate Could be VF-74 https://www.seaforces.org/usnair/VF/Fighter-Squadron-74.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VF-74 "On 11 August 1988 VF-74 became the first squadron to receive the F-14A+ (now F-14B)" Neither is a scholarly source so up for debate. UPDATE: Correction first deployment on a cruise would be VF-142 and VF-143 6th of March 1990. VF-74 was first to receive the F-14 but did not cruise until August 1990. Edited July 13, 2022 by illegal1984 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hobo 1-1 Posted July 13, 2022 Author Share Posted July 13, 2022 Thank you both! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wingmate Posted July 13, 2022 Share Posted July 13, 2022 15 minutes ago, illegal1984 said: @Wingmate Could be VF-74 https://www.seaforces.org/usnair/VF/Fighter-Squadron-74.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VF-74 "On 11 August 1988 VF-74 became the first squadron to receive the F-14A+ (now F-14B)" Neither is a scholarly source so up for debate. UPDATE: Correction first deployment on a cruise would be VF-142 and VF-143 6th of March 1990. VF-74 was first to receive the F-14 but did not cruise until August 1990. Missed VF-74 getting them first, I am somewhat biased to 142 being my favorite squadron. Thanks for the correction. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
illegal1984 Posted July 13, 2022 Share Posted July 13, 2022 No worries and no apologies brother, because VF-142 is the best. Haha...now I may have started another debate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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