F-14

[FoverF]

Actually, the Iranian airforce is quite a bit more capable than the Iraqi AF, and so a 40:1 CLAIM ratio sounds about right to me.

Of course a 40:1 kill ratio against Iraq isn't really saying much.

Anyways, the Iranian F-14s actually did seem to be fairly active from what I've heard. Although I certainly don't beleive they got as many kills as they claim, they were far from being side-lined during the war.

Also;
an F-104G kill??? You might want to check your source on that one (and if it's true, please pass it along to me!)

[Pucara70]

In fact I have read that the israelis gave the iranians some spare parts and technical support for their F-14, because at that moment Irak was worst for them than Iran, and because it was part of the complex Iran-Contras cover operation.
On the other hand, I would like to know if some of you build model kits of the Tomcat in 1/48 scale. I have built it from Revell-Monogram and Italeri, in the form of the A-B and D models. Could you tell me more about this particular issue?

[jerre]

I have an F14D in 1:48 scale.
It was never fully finished and due to the same problem the Iranians have : can't find the parts. It is lying in an experimental black and red livery....
anyway, if you want some photos, just ask.

[pluto77189]

Originally posted by jerre
I have an F14D in 1:48 scale.
It was never fully finished and due to the same problem the Iranians have : can't find the parts. It is lying in an experimental black and red livery....
anyway, if you want some photos, just ask.

funny, me too. My aunt bought it for me probably 10 years ago, and I never quite finished it. It was half done, in a busted cardboard box, for years, then it survived a move from New Jersey to North Carolina, and was partially built again, and painted(really nice, too). I'me missing part of a sidewinder, and all my AiM-54's need to be repainted(I tried to paint things to look "cool" back then, not taking into consideration "accuracy"). During the move, the landing gear broke, so I had to retrofit the panels so that it is now "gears up".

LAst model I built and completed was an F-22 about 2 years ago. Actually put some effort into it. With an airbrush, I got that greyscale camo paint look down pat--it really looks great. Just a bit sloppy on the engine nozzles, but otherwise a great looking plane, with open bays, and missles.

I started a p-51, but I got really busy with work(and marriage) to finish it, and the 2 F-117s I got on ebay for $5.

[Pucara70]

Originally posted by jerre
I have an F14D in 1:48 scale.
It was never fully finished and due to the same problem the Iranians have : can't find the parts. It is lying in an experimental black and red livery....
anyway, if you want some photos, just ask.

Please, I would like to receive them. I have the same problem, lack of time!.

[HJ]

Avon1944 wrote:
Here are some statisitcs on the Iran Iraq War Concerning F-14's
CONFIRMED F-14 KILLS
Confirmed Kills ______ 123!
Unconfirmed Kills ____ 5
Damage/Close Calls ___ 8

CONFIRMED AIM-54 MISSILE KILLS
Confirmed AIM-54 Kills ______ 53
Unconfirmed AIM-54 Kills ____ 5
Damage/Close AIM-54 Calls ___ 3

CONFIRMED CLAIMED-KILLS OF F-14's BY THE IrAF
Confirmed Kills ______ 3
Unconfirmed Kills ____ 9
Damage/Close Calls ___ 1

That is a 40:1 kill ratio!

Brad_USA asked Adrian where he got the above stats; I strongly suspect he has seen the recently published books by Tom Cooper and Farzad Bishop (One on Iran-Iraq War and another specifically on the Tomcat) that detail similar info and actual combat narratives. Check them out at: http://www.acig.org/pg1/content.php

[bradusa_2003]

HJ: I tend to believe the bottom figures you posted more than the top 2 that would be the 3-9-1 ratio. I am sure the two publishers have gotten as much detailed info as they could get on the war, but take into fact that both sides arent really open about their military operations and considering Iraq lost 123 aircraft I would wounder did they even have that many, that seems like alot of fighter jets considering at the start of the war Saddam Hussen had to rent french mirages to make up a suitable airforce I would still wounder about those figures. I do agree the F-14 tomact is a wounderfull fighter probably if not the best one of the best ever built but try to keep an open mind as I will...
Pucara70: I would doubt that isreal did anything for Iran even in a deal with the USA considering the Iranian government since the revolution sole purpose has been to destroy Isreal and I dont think the US would have asked them to do it.