What Would We Change in the F-14 Tomcat to Improve Its Performance?

When discussing the F-14 Tomcat, enthusiasts often debate what changes could have made it more efficient and effective. While I'm not an F-14 pilot, I have some insights into what could have been improved, based on modern advancements and the capabilities of other aircraft.

Banging the Brakes: Addressing Engine Power

The F-14As largest problem was its underpowered engine. This issue was fixed in subsequent upgrades like the F-14B and D models, which provided more power. Ensuring that the engine was not only powerful but also had super cruise capability (the ability to fly supersonic without afterburners) would have been a significant leap forward. This would not only enhance performance but also reduce burnout and extend the aircraft's operational life.

Modernizing the Cockpit: Helmet-Mounted Sight and Visibility

A primary area for improvement was the absence of a helmet-mounted sight (HMS). The Navy was testing one in the 1970s, but it never got fielded. The HMS would greatly enhance situational awareness and reaction times, making the F-14 even more lethal in combat. Additionally, a single-piece windshield or canopy would improve visibility and reduce drag, contributing to better overall performance.

Revolutionizing Air-to-Ground Capabilities

The F-14 had a secondary air-to-ground mode, but it was rarely used until the late 1990s. Modernizing this capability to be more robust would have significantly enhanced the aircraft's versatility. Integrating advanced systems like the DAS ( Distributed Aperture System) from the F-35 and JHMCS (Joint Helmet Mounted Cued System) helmet could have provided the F-14 with greater situational awareness and target engagement capabilities.

Next Generation Technologies for the Tomcat 21

Grumman's proposed F-14 Super Tomcat 21 would have significantly improved the F-14's performance and integration into the 21st century. Key features include:

AESA Radar: A phased array radar (AESA) not only in the nose but also on the leading edges of the glove vanes and AESA panels on the outboard side of the vertical stabilizers would provide an almost 360-degree radar view, maintaining radar lock on targets even more than 90 degrees off boresight. Lighter Electronics: Desparking unnecessary electronics and incorporating more agile, advanced missiles like the AIM-9x for off boresight shots would have greatly enhanced the F-14's ability to engage targets. Stealth Treatments: Implementing lightweight stealth treatments, reducing the radar cross-section (RCS) to that of a turkey rather than a sparrow, would have significantly increased the F-14's survivability in modern combat environments.

Additional Proposed Improvements

Besides technological upgrades, the design of the F-14 could have benefited from some cosmetics and aerodynamic enhancements. For instance, simplifying the rear wing with single-slotted flaps would have reduced complexity and drag. Removing unnecessary beneath-the-plane drag items, such as the Sniper pod, would have improved performance. A revert back to a single sensor with a chinpod would have streamlined the subsystems. Replacing metal parts with composite materials and incorporating 3D thrust vectoring would further enhance agility and maneuverability.

Summary and Final Thoughts

While the F-14 was a pioneering aircraft of its time, incorporating modern advancements such as super cruise capability, AESA radar, enhanced avionics, and stealth treatments would have significantly upgraded its performance. The improvements suggested would not only make the F-14 more lethal but also more economically viable in the long run. In essence, transforming the F-14 into something akin to an F-35 would have been a logical and necessary step in the evolution of naval aviation technology.

Conclusion

Despite its storied history, the F-14 Tomcat was not without its limitations. By addressing these issues and integrating new technologies, we could have seen a more lethal and adaptable air superiority fighter, capable of meeting the challenges of the 21st century. Whether in service or as a historical artifact, these improvements would have ensured the F-14's legacy continued into a new era.