Hello Spiceman, I have to admit this is a great video into the inner workings of F-14 Tomcat systems. I am really fascinated by your depth of knowledge of these systems. Amazing stuff you are pouring out. The Tomcat is no longer in service but I do hope there a place your knowledge of fighter aircraft systems can be put to use in present times. Despite the lack of proper pictures and videos to buttress your description, just steering at the same picture does not kill interest at all listening to you. I have yet to pre-order the F-14 Tomcat because being an avionics and systems enthusiasts, I haven't really seen any of the videos put up by Heatblur so far doing justice to this area. Your dissection of these systems is so useful. If I recollect well, you left the service of the F-14 in the 90s, I am perplexed by how you still remember all these stuff. Good one Spiceman and thanks a great deal for your time and efforts. I would most definitely be looking forward to your videos on the dcs F-14 Tomcat. Cheers man.
Ernestwinslow thank you... it’s great to hear your enjoying it. The memories are getting a bit old (I’m 52 now and was 28 the last time I sat in the Tomcat). Looking through pictures has brought back a surprising amount of memories, which is why it was harder to talk about the systems I couldn’t find decent pictures of. Having the Heatblur cockpit to sit in will do wonders, I’m sure. I can’t wait to get it and start pumping out some more videos.
@@stevenspicer14 Just brilliant after 24 years since sitting in the Tomcat. Know what, I will be hanging in here for those videos planned with the release of DCS Tomcat by you. You are the Man.
Hi, just wanted to thank you for making this video series .. they are really helpful and I've learned a lot watching them. You made these before the release of Heatblur's F-14, so it's impressive that most of what you describe is actually there and works mostly like it's supossed to :) Best regards and thanks again.
We had very similar paths. I was in from 88 thru 92 VF-33 IWT AT3. Same stuff, GLRTC to Memphis, then to Oceana. Rode the USS America and the Connie. Thanks for the great videos pal. good stuff.
Great video, hopefully we get more with the F/A-18 too the one I watched last time was amazing and really helped me understand the aircraft much more than any other video I've seen on it
my favorite Tom cat UA-camr please keep theses videos coming it's 2020 I finally got DC's and have no idea what IAM doin bc of you I know how to finally close the dam cockpit door now learning how to turn the dam thing on lol love the video s your doin great
Great videos, thanks. Could I suggest that in future videos you include some key topic timestamps? I'm sure there are many that will want to refer back to these videos to find procedures and stuff and it'll be pretty difficult in a 2 hour video!!
Freaky seeing Ranger 12 in the background. My Dad was an Aircrew ATCS with VQ-2 from 81-85. I remember actually sitting in the cockpit of that plane. Pest in Peace .
I heard your hesitation when you were talking about IFF. That shit used to be highly classified to the point where most people weren't even allowed in the AT shop around the equipment. Now you're talking about it on youtube heh. I was on a C-2 COD that had bad IFF codes entered during Desert Storm. We were fired upon by the carrier. After we landed the pilot puked and passed out. White shirts had to come drag him to the island.
watching on cell phone I'm finding it difficult to see your mouse cursor - it helps when you wave it around, that catches my eye - but if you're going to do more of this, maybe look in to some software that highlights the cursor position on the screen (I've seen other youtubers do that - I have no idea what's going involved in making that happen..) good vids - keep it up and have a great navy day shippee! :))
yeah btw, tom cruise will be back in the cockpit in the F-14 for the Top Gun 2/Maverick sequel, looks like an A model with the pod underneath. Hollywood pipeline has the images. It has a phoenix emblem, not "AIM-54" emblem but a fire bird emblem on the side. Looks like they are attempting to make it look like a siberian cat, maybe some non-existent enemy territory? But apparently he will steal that tomcat after getting his super hornet shot down over some snowy enemy territory. They shipped the F-14 to Lake Tahoe in canada and apparently will either make it flyable (which is highly unlikely as it's probably just a museum piece and those cannot made to fly without lots of money put into it) or just do CGI stuff with it. But it is in fact, a real tomcat and tom cruise will at the very least do real live cockpit shots. He did get into the cockpit with miles teller, goose's son, in the pictures.
I'd triple check if there's any classified material in this video. The last time a Hornet pilot tried to upload some content, people jumped the gun and reported him to his superiors, which resulted in him having to take down his entire channel. And he only uploaded GoPro videos about Marshall-stacks. This seems like a bunch of potentially sensitive info.
This is nothing that isn't in the publically available manuals. And the guy that your talking about didn't upload anything sensitive either he just got tired of the BS from people. The problem is a bunch of armchair admirals thinking that everything is classified when really all you have to do is go download the navair for yourself all this info is there readily available.
@@carrierairwingeleven1747I never implied he did, but people in the comment section can make a mountain out of a molehill. The only reason why I wrote that comment is because your content is extremely valuable and I'd be really sad to see it gone because of trolls with bad intentions.
@@agostonbazmajer1100 Appreciate it We'll keep cranking them out and trolls will be trolls. All I have to do is hover over that delete button and their comments are gone :D
@@carrierairwingeleven1747 Yeah, people who don't actually have any kind of first hand info in this field love to assume that their first instinct is actually right. I think I can safely say that the whole community really appreciates that you took the time and made such a detailed video. To be fair, I can't wait until Heatblur releases the manual and I can rewatch it with more background knowledge.
And you being the usual F-14 bot on every F-14 video, seem clueless that this is the F-14A. F-14 was killed because of politics as every analyst says because of the "Hornet mafia" lobbying. Most of the F-14As were retired by the late 2000s. The Navy fought tooth and nail for the F-14Ds to remain operational and build new one's for a total of 130 to be operational beyond 2025. The F-14D retired in 2006 were built after 1993 and had full glass avionics, fly by wire throttle systems and updated radar. They had the highest number of sorties in 2006 when their use was at its peak. They were newer than most of the Super Hornets that came out after 1987. It had great flexibility for upgrades in the future and there was the AST-21 upgrades in the future. f F-15C, Super Hornets or the F-16 C/D are still flying, there is no reason why F-14D that was more modern than these, should not be flying.
@@KLRGT500KR No, the F-14s avionics architecture was largely lifted from the F-111, putting it a generation behind the other 4th gen fighters. Compare an early F-15 to a contemporaneous F-14; the HUD, RWR, radar display and symbology, and lack of HOTUS all point out the F-14 was really a 3.5 generation fighter, which extends beneath the surface. The D just spit shined a turd sandwich. Don't let your nostalgia for a 80s movie ruin your objectivity.
@@taylorc2542 Navy never asked for the F-14A to remain. They only asked for the F-14Ds that were almost brand new with state of the art computer systems both front and back. The HUD on the F-14D was 1000x better than that of the useless F-14A one and was so modern that it was actually superior to the F-16 C/D and F-15C which were designed in the 80s. F-14D had brand new completely glass based avionics and full fly by wire throttle. The radar system, avionics, fly by wire throttle everything was brand new state of the art in the 90s. They were all built and designed in the 1992 - 1993. It was actually more modern than the Super Hornets and Navy was hugely downgraded by taking away F-14D and handing over the Super Hornets. The F-14D were almost brand new by the time they were retired with 10 years on the airframe. It shared none of the avionics from the F-14A. F-14A was 70s technology, but the F-14D had gone through a complete redesign. It was fully glass. I am talking strictly about F-14D and not the F-14 A/B. The Navy fought tooth and nail to keep the F-14D
@@KLRGT500KR Naw, the F-14D was like putting a back-up camera and navigation system in a 20 year old car. Sure, you can do it, but the cost and systems integration makes it a PITA, they never even integrated AMRAAM even though it was out for 15 years.
@@taylorc2542 No it was a thorough redesign. It shared none of the avionics with the F-14A. It was completely digital with no analog switches/controls and had the GE-F110 engines, which is why it was called "Super Tomcat". There was testing done of AMRAAMs on the F-14s, but it never was put in service. You can find pictures of F-14 carrying AMRAAM 120. Navy spent hundreds of millions of dollars upgrading/redesigning the avionics, radar, fly by wire systems etc. for the F-14D. Navy was very proud of it and fought like hell to keep them because it was the best fighter/interceptor they could imagine at that time.
already my favourite Tomcat youtube channel.
Hello Spiceman, I have to admit this is a great video into the inner workings of F-14 Tomcat systems. I am really fascinated by your depth of knowledge of these systems. Amazing stuff you are pouring out. The Tomcat is no longer in service but I do hope there a place your knowledge of fighter aircraft systems can be put to use in present times. Despite the lack of proper pictures and videos to buttress your description, just steering at the same picture does not kill interest at all listening to you.
I have yet to pre-order the F-14 Tomcat because being an avionics and systems enthusiasts, I haven't really seen any of the videos put up by Heatblur so far doing justice to this area. Your dissection of these systems is so useful.
If I recollect well, you left the service of the F-14 in the 90s, I am perplexed by how you still remember all these stuff.
Good one Spiceman and thanks a great deal for your time and efforts.
I would most definitely be looking forward to your videos on the dcs F-14 Tomcat. Cheers man.
Ernestwinslow thank you... it’s great to hear your enjoying it. The memories are getting a bit old (I’m 52 now and was 28 the last time I sat in the Tomcat). Looking through pictures has brought back a surprising amount of memories, which is why it was harder to talk about the systems I couldn’t find decent pictures of. Having the Heatblur cockpit to sit in will do wonders, I’m sure. I can’t wait to get it and start pumping out some more videos.
@@stevenspicer14 Just brilliant after 24 years since sitting in the Tomcat. Know what, I will be hanging in here for those videos planned with the release of DCS Tomcat by you. You are the Man.
Ernestwinslow you’re too kind... thanks!
Hi, just wanted to thank you for making this video series .. they are really helpful and I've learned a lot watching them. You made these before the release of Heatblur's F-14, so it's impressive that most of what you describe is actually there and works mostly like it's supossed to :) Best regards and thanks again.
We had very similar paths. I was in from 88 thru 92 VF-33 IWT AT3. Same stuff, GLRTC to Memphis, then to Oceana. Rode the USS America and the Connie. Thanks for the great videos pal. good stuff.
Thanks for explaining the difference between an A+ and a B. I've always wondered why some people called the GE Tomcats by different names.
Great video, hopefully we get more with the F/A-18 too the one I watched last time was amazing and really helped me understand the aircraft much more than any other video I've seen on it
my favorite Tom cat UA-camr please keep theses videos coming it's 2020 I finally got DC's and have no idea what IAM doin bc of you I know how to finally close the dam cockpit door now learning how to turn the dam thing on lol love the video s your doin great
Former RIO and Author, Ward Carroll , has a great channel with a ton of in depth F-14 vids. Love the channel, sub'd
Great videos, thanks. Could I suggest that in future videos you include some key topic timestamps? I'm sure there are many that will want to refer back to these videos to find procedures and stuff and it'll be pretty difficult in a 2 hour video!!
I can do that sure
Thanks for the tip
Very cool insight and thanks for the video!
Awesome video, again! Thank you!
Freaky seeing Ranger 12 in the background. My Dad was an Aircrew ATCS with VQ-2 from 81-85. I remember actually sitting in the cockpit of that plane. Pest in Peace .
You Tuber yeah we lost ten guys on that cruise I think. Seven alone from VQ-2. RIP.
Dang!! i have been looking for a decent copy of the PLAT for that S-3 barricade.
Fascinating
I'm 3 minutes in and all about the Black Aces!!! Fly Navy!
Wasn't the ALQ-100 the same self protection jammer used in the F-4 as well? Was it as ineffective in that as it was in the F-14?
I think it was, yes... I can’t find any info on how it performed in the Phantom...
I heard your hesitation when you were talking about IFF. That shit used to be highly classified to the point where most people weren't even allowed in the AT shop around the equipment. Now you're talking about it on youtube heh. I was on a C-2 COD that had bad IFF codes entered during Desert Storm. We were fired upon by the carrier. After we landed the pilot puked and passed out. White shirts had to come drag him to the island.
watching on cell phone I'm finding it difficult to see your mouse cursor - it helps when you wave it around, that catches my eye - but if you're going to do more of this, maybe look in to some software that highlights the cursor position on the screen (I've seen other youtubers do that - I have no idea what's going involved in making that happen..)
good vids - keep it up
and have a great navy day shippee! :))
SD sc0rch good tips... thanks!
yeah btw, tom cruise will be back in the cockpit in the F-14 for the Top Gun 2/Maverick sequel, looks like an A model with the pod underneath. Hollywood pipeline has the images. It has a phoenix emblem, not "AIM-54" emblem but a fire bird emblem on the side. Looks like they are attempting to make it look like a siberian cat, maybe some non-existent enemy territory? But apparently he will steal that tomcat after getting his super hornet shot down over some snowy enemy territory. They shipped the F-14 to Lake Tahoe in canada and apparently will either make it flyable (which is highly unlikely as it's probably just a museum piece and those cannot made to fly without lots of money put into it) or just do CGI stuff with it. But it is in fact, a real tomcat and tom cruise will at the very least do real live cockpit shots. He did get into the cockpit with miles teller, goose's son, in the pictures.
I'd triple check if there's any classified material in this video. The last time a Hornet pilot tried to upload some content, people jumped the gun and reported him to his superiors, which resulted in him having to take down his entire channel. And he only uploaded GoPro videos about Marshall-stacks. This seems like a bunch of potentially sensitive info.
This is nothing that isn't in the publically available manuals. And the guy that your talking about didn't upload anything sensitive either he just got tired of the BS from people. The problem is a bunch of armchair admirals thinking that everything is classified when really all you have to do is go download the navair for yourself all this info is there readily available.
@@carrierairwingeleven1747I never implied he did, but people in the comment section can make a mountain out of a molehill. The only reason why I wrote that comment is because your content is extremely valuable and I'd be really sad to see it gone because of trolls with bad intentions.
@@agostonbazmajer1100 Appreciate it We'll keep cranking them out and trolls will be trolls. All I have to do is hover over that delete button and their comments are gone :D
@@carrierairwingeleven1747 Yeah, people who don't actually have any kind of first hand info in this field love to assume that their first instinct is actually right.
I think I can safely say that the whole community really appreciates that you took the time and made such a detailed video. To be fair, I can't wait until Heatblur releases the manual and I can rewatch it with more background knowledge.
The whale barrier PLAT video was tough to watch...Especially since it appeared to be improperly rigged...
I understand why Dick Cheney retired the Tomcat and said it was 1960s technology. It seems out of place for a 4th gen fighter.
And you being the usual F-14 bot on every F-14 video, seem clueless that this is the F-14A. F-14 was killed because of politics as every analyst says because of the "Hornet mafia" lobbying. Most of the F-14As were retired by the late 2000s. The Navy fought tooth and nail for the F-14Ds to remain operational and build new one's for a total of 130 to be operational beyond 2025. The F-14D retired in 2006 were built after 1993 and had full glass avionics, fly by wire throttle systems and updated radar. They had the highest number of sorties in 2006 when their use was at its peak. They were newer than most of the Super Hornets that came out after 1987. It had great flexibility for upgrades in the future and there was the AST-21 upgrades in the future. f F-15C, Super Hornets or the F-16 C/D are still flying, there is no reason why F-14D that was more modern than these, should not be flying.
@@KLRGT500KR No, the F-14s avionics architecture was largely lifted from the F-111, putting it a generation behind the other 4th gen fighters. Compare an early F-15 to a contemporaneous F-14; the HUD, RWR, radar display and symbology, and lack of HOTUS all point out the F-14 was really a 3.5 generation fighter, which extends beneath the surface. The D just spit shined a turd sandwich. Don't let your nostalgia for a 80s movie ruin your objectivity.
@@taylorc2542 Navy never asked for the F-14A to remain. They only asked for the F-14Ds that were almost brand new with state of the art computer systems both front and back. The HUD on the F-14D was 1000x better than that of the useless F-14A one and was so modern that it was actually superior to the F-16 C/D and F-15C which were designed in the 80s. F-14D had brand new completely glass based avionics and full fly by wire throttle. The radar system, avionics, fly by wire throttle everything was brand new state of the art in the 90s. They were all built and designed in the 1992 - 1993. It was actually more modern than the Super Hornets and Navy was hugely downgraded by taking away F-14D and handing over the Super Hornets. The F-14D were almost brand new by the time they were retired with 10 years on the airframe. It shared none of the avionics from the F-14A. F-14A was 70s technology, but the F-14D had gone through a complete redesign. It was fully glass. I am talking strictly about F-14D and not the F-14 A/B. The Navy fought tooth and nail to keep the F-14D
@@KLRGT500KR Naw, the F-14D was like putting a back-up camera and navigation system in a 20 year old car. Sure, you can do it, but the cost and systems integration makes it a PITA, they never even integrated AMRAAM even though it was out for 15 years.
@@taylorc2542 No it was a thorough redesign. It shared none of the avionics with the F-14A. It was completely digital with no analog switches/controls and had the GE-F110 engines, which is why it was called "Super Tomcat". There was testing done of AMRAAMs on the F-14s, but it never was put in service. You can find pictures of F-14 carrying AMRAAM 120. Navy spent hundreds of millions of dollars upgrading/redesigning the avionics, radar, fly by wire systems etc. for the F-14D. Navy was very proud of it and fought like hell to keep them because it was the best fighter/interceptor they could imagine at that time.
Do you want to train me a little??? 😁