A or B Version? What do you prefer?

[kotor633]

Hi,

Just out of curiosity: Which version do you prefer to travel with, the A or B version? What appeals to you about each version?

Personally, I like the A version better. I love the 'shrill whistle' of the engines. And also that with the A version you have to fly more proactively because of the weaker engine; you have to work with her more.
My focus is generally on the 'Bombcat' when it comes to the F-14.

[diego999]

B. And for a silly reason: I love B liveries.

[bonesvf103]

I prefer B over A because I love having that much power quickly available to me.  The TF30 lags and complains too much haha.  But i do like the A, and respect it.

v6,

boNes

[Northstar98]

A because it's more relevant for the missions I create.

The earlier F-14A-135-GR will probably be my go to once it releases as it's the most appropriate version for 1980s Cold War missions.

[Hiob]

I usually fly the B. Just for creature comforts. My gross motor skills are marginal enough. Fighting with the engine on top would just tip me over the edge probably..... 

[scommander2]

I have the same feel with @Hiob because of B's engines..   

[Gunslinger22]

A all the way, most historically relevant Tomcat and fits perfectly into the cold war direction DCS is hopefully going to keep heading in. 

[sLYFa]

IMO the best advantage the B has over the A is high altitude endurance. The B can cruise at 5000pph while the A takes 6000 to stay in the air. The B also climbs much faster in MIL power, saving even more gas.

Edited November 15, 2023 by sLYFa

[draconus]

I take whatever the mission gives me but probably like the B more due to the engines power.

[DD_Fenrir]

Both.

A - for the challenge and getting a sense of what most F-14 pilots had to contend with for 20 odd years.

B - for the fact that this version better represents Grumman's vision of what the Tomcat should have been (TF-30 was only ever supposed to be the development engine, the P&W F401 was intended to have powered the fleet variants). The F110 version better reflects the Power to Weight ratio the F-14 was supposed to have.

 

Edited November 16, 2023 by DD_Fenrir

[Quid]

Sheer performance, the "B," but I also enjoy the "A" for a number of reasons, not the least of which its history, amazing 1970s high-viz liveries, and the challenge of employing it.

[Swordsman422]

Depends on what I'm doing. I prefer the B for ACM, bombing, and most other combat functions, but I have found for some reason I am far better in the F-14A at carrier landings, aerial refueling, and general procedure flying.

[Bremspropeller]

The A. Because reasons.

 

[Rhrich]

On 11/16/2023 at 12:05 PM, DD_Fenrir said:

 

B - for the fact that this version better represents Grumman's vision of what the Tomcat should have been (TF-30 was only ever supposed to be the development engine, the P&W F401 was intended to have powered the fleet variants). The F110 version better reflects the Power to Weight ratio the F-14 was supposed to have.

 

 

Fair point. No plane flying in the year 2000 was the same as it was in 1975. Vipers, Eagles, the lot. They got a plenty of updates for both engines and systems. 
 

I prefer B all the way. Find energy management extremely difficult when I can’t feel anything. The Bs engines almost make that unnecessary. 

[flybull]

A all the way.  Nostalgia.   And AB takeoffs and cat shots.

[FR4GGL3]

On 11/17/2023 at 4:10 PM, Swordsman422 said:

Depends on what I'm doing. I prefer the B for ACM, bombing, and most other combat functions, but I have found for some reason I am far better in the F-14A at carrier landings, aerial refueling, and general procedure flying.

This. Except I never did bombing. I guess the TF30 is slower in ramping up so that there is more time to react and not overspeed it.

 

And I love the colorfull Liveries of the A. The Old Look is just like the muscle cars have been. Beefy, well rounded but sharp and it has presence. And this Pride. It doesn't hide, it shows itself. It reminds me of a Stallion rearing up.

Edited November 19, 2023 by FR4GGL3

[Ala12Rv-Tundra]

I choose both depending on my mood. I don´t want to truly "choose". Monogamy is not a thing I do in DCS World.
I like B model liveries more, though.

[Coldwarrior000]

Simple. The A. It was what most pilots flew, and it is for Chads.