TARPS on the F14A Tomcat

[snapper 21]

Hi have now got the TARPs pod showing up on my F14A, Beauty! Does anybody know if the F14 would carry any sparrows on its belly pylons as well as the TARPS pod?

 

Cheers

[Caesar]

Hi have now got the TARPs pod showing up on my F14A, Beauty! Does anybody know if the F14 would carry any sparrows on its belly pylons as well as the TARPS pod?

 

Cheers

 

Nope; with the TARPS pod equipped, the Tomcat can't carry belly Phoenix or Sparrow missiles. The possible exception of carrying Sparrows up front was somewhat viable, but if they were fired (which first, isn't healthy for the pod) the aircraft would have to make an aft center-of-gravity landing. It wasn't clear to do this. What was generally done to balance the plane was to either install the Phoenix pylons unloaded, or use dummy AIM-7's. During Operation Desert Storm, the right-hand -54 pylon usually carried an AN/ALQ-167 ECM pod/chaff dispenser.

[snapper 21]

Nope; with the TARPS pod equipped, the Tomcat can't carry belly Phoenix or Sparrow missiles. The possible exception of carrying Sparrows up front was somewhat viable, but if they were fired (which first, isn't healthy for the pod) the aircraft would have to make an aft center-of-gravity landing. It wasn't clear to do this. What was generally done to balance the plane was to either install the Phoenix pylons unloaded, or use dummy AIM-7's. During Operation Desert Storm, the right-hand -54 pylon usually carried an AN/ALQ-167 ECM pod/chaff dispenser.

 

 

Thanks Caesar,

 

sorry but now have another question, I put the TARPS pod on the first Phoenix pylon, which reding your reply sounds wrong, does Tarps sit on the centerline or is it in a position similar to rear Phoenix pylon

 

Cheers

 

Dont worry have found this:

 

TARPS is carried on the right rear fuselage tunnel station. The pod requires additional control, power, and environmental control connections, and so Tomcats had to be specially modified to carry it, with about 50 aircraft given TARPS capability. The modifications did not rule out carriage of the Phoenix on that station. The system is controlled by the RIO in the back seat who has a specialized TARPS display to observe reconnaissance data, though the pilot does have a camera on-off switch on his stick as well. AAMs can still be carried on the wing glove pylons for self-defense

Edited June 11, 2006 by snapper 21

[Caesar]

Glad you found that bit of data; makes it easier on my part . I've actually still gotta get the TARPS pod up and running on my 'Cats myself, just haven't had time til right about...now.

 

Vale,

-"Caesar"

Edited June 11, 2006 by Caesar