Final Tomcat Flyby

Watch the edited version at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBN6nnGd_10

Yes, the tomcats look like a B-2. Please stop saying this. Also, the "just like pearl harbor" reference is a JOKE. It's supposed to be FUNNY. If you don't get/like it, just move on. My god.

This flyby was performed after the last carrier launch of a tomcat, off USS Theodore Roosevelt. VF-31 and VF-213, the Tomcatters and Blacklions respectively, formed up for a massive 22-ship flyby. It was the end of a glorious era for the Tomcat, and the largest single tomcat flyby in at least the past 5 years, probably more. Shot by yours truly on March 10, 2006 off the Atlantic coast with a Sony DSC-P200.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Tomcat
• F-14
• Flyby
• Flight
• Fighter
• Aircraft
• Plane
• Airplane

[CaptainGaruda]

I hope someday in the future, US will make new advanced aircraft based on F-14 model like implementing variable-geometry wings and twin rudder, but with more aerodynamic fuselage and advanced technology and this time it's single-seat.

[hawkeye1893]

@CaptainGaruda It would be nice, but it won't ever happen. Swing wings are REALLY heavy and really complicated, and anything they can do can be done with "active geometry" (AG) wings, such as on the super hornet. By constantly varying the slats/flaps position based on speed/AOA, you can duplicate the effect of the SW with much less weight and complexity.

[hawkeye1893]

@CaptainGaruda Also, the F-14 was a VERY aerodynamic airframe; far more so than the F/A-18 or any plane to come after it. The F-14 was one of the last planes that were aerodynamically stable - e.g. didn't require a flight computer to remain stable in the air. If an F/A-18 loses its flight computers (called RPYCs), it will fall like a brick. As will the F/A-22, F-35, etc. etc.

[Kneelb4UrGod]

I was an AT with VF-154 before we transitioned to Super Hornets, and I have to say that as much as I enjoy the reliability of the Super Hornet, being that I've been working on them for over 4 years now, the comradery and satisfaction I got from mainaining the Tomcat was unparallel. Those times are gone but the memories...

[wkeil1981]

best fighter ever made

[grimygrime]

I'm lucky I get to pass one of the last Tomcats on the way to work everyday.

[rkingfoyle13]

Sucks there gone but the f18 is better

[336kgf]

@Mauricio51209 We can afford it, and I doubt it cost that much. The carrier was heading back into port so the squadron was on its way to where it originally came from.

[336kgf]

@MichaelCasanovaMusic I once heard an interview with a U.S. military pilot, and according to him, the only realistic thing about Top Gun is the singing in the bar. I trust that man's judgment.

[Mauricio51209]

There you go, that is why the US is financialy screwed up. Probably that flight costed a US 150.000

[queen365247]

I love the tomcat. I want to have a tomcat at home.

[planeops123]

LONG LIVE THE F 14 TOMCAT I SELUTE YOU

[ryanspeed]

The F-14 Tomcat...last of the Grumman cat family!

[luckyboyf14]

i love the f14 its gay how they dont do them eny more:(

[frotttiop]

such a shame that there are no f14 in the us navy anymore.....only the crap f18 -.- .....i mean its good plane but i find it looks like a piece of shit.....