The bombcats have already started to be replaced by the
F-Superbug. The first unit, VF-41 Black Aces is on their way back
to CONUS on Enterprise, and once the arrive will trade in their
F-14s for the F-SuperBug. The CAG bird pic is already up on VF-41
website.
Its a pity really, I've seen Tomcats on the 3 carriers I've visited
before, and I just feel in terms of looks and capability the
SuperBug is nowhere close. One interesting thing was that mechs
from all 3 carriers did say that even though its good, the Tomcats
(even the Bs and Ds) are bithes to maintain due to their age, so I
guess its replacement was inevitable
AIM-54 is actually more for defeating heavy bombers, not a really
relevant weapon today. The only AIM-54s shot in anger was in 1999,
when VF-213 from the Carl Vinson launched a few in tail chases at
Iraqi violaters in the southern Iraq NFZ. They all fell short or
were easily evaded.
