ricko@rosevax.Rosemount.COM (Rick O'Brien) (01/20/89)
> Also, note that an F-14 cannot carry six Phoenixes without being in > "overload" condition, in which most performance specs (including, as I > recall, carrier landings) are void. >From what I understand, the reengined F-14's can take off with six Phoenixes. Someone may correct me, but I think the limitation to four missiles during peacetime came from return to carrier immediately after take-off considerations. Without the newer engines they could only land with four missiles so instead of jettisoning two expensive missiles they take off with four.