Tag: F-14

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Biggest Myth About The F-14 Tomcat: It Was Designed As An Interceptor

I asked Bio a question some months ago about the biggest myth about the Tomcat, and he managed to record a video for all of us to watch. Note: This video is the first in a series of new videos that Bio is recording, with flying stories & thoughts like this topic. If you enjoy…
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Thoughts on Radar Modes of the AWG-9

The AWG-9 radar in the F-14A Tomcat fighter had good capability including several modes for the RIO to choose from. This article describes some considerations.

Did the F-14 Tomcat Have Flight Controls in the Rear Cockpit?

This has to be one of the most common questions heard by former F-14 Radar Intercept Officers (RIOs). RIOs were the back-seaters who operated the F-14’s weapon system, were responsible for communication and navigation, and performed other aircrew duties. During a radar intercept the RIO directed the pilot, so he was “verbally flying” the aircraft.…
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Tomcat RIO by Dave “Bio” Baranek

“Tomcat RIO” is the latest book to be written by former USN F-14 Tomcat Radar Intercept Officer (RIO) Dave Baranek. In his new book, Bio regales us with more tales of Naval Aviation adventures and excitement, and goes more into the personalities and misadventures he experienced. From Topgun to Squadron Command You’re in the cockpit…
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What Does An F-14 Tomcat RIO Do?

The team from DCSNZA hosted Dave “Bio” Baranek for a live streaming event earlier today. Dave spend time talking about what the RIO (radar intercept officer) did in the F-14 (a great insight into that world) and then he took to the virtual skies with the DCSNZA team in the Heatblur F-14 Tomcat, tanked with…
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TARPS (Tactical Airborne Reconnaissance Pod System)

The Tactical Airborne Reconnaissance Pod System (TARPS) was a large and sophisticated camera pod carried by the Grumman F-14 Tomcat. It contains three camera bays with different type cameras which are pointed down at passing terrain. It was originally designed to provide an interim aerial reconnaissance capability until a dedicated F/A-18 Hornet reconnaissance version could…
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