Damaged F-14s

[MigBuster 2,884]

Nice piece

 

 

 

The Grumman Aerospace Corporation, acquired in 1994 by Northrop Corporation to form the Northrop Grumman,  was one of the most respected aircraft manufacturer in the world and leading airplanes builder for the U.S. Navy in the 20^th century.

But among the fighter pilots community it was known as “Grumman Ironworks”, due to its aircraft ability to come back to the carriers or bases after having been heavily damaged, thanks to their strength and durability.

These incredible achievements were the result of the main Ironworks rule: pilots are far more valuable than planes.

The last product of the Grumman was the F-14 Tomcat which was not only one of the deadliest fighter in the aviation history, but also one of the sturdiest airframe ever built: in fact, like the Wildcat, Hellcat and Avenger in the Pacific theatre during the Second World War, the Tomcat was able to bring back home its aircrews even if badly damaged.

Look at the impressive pictures in this post.

The first photo depicts the F-14A BuNo 159832 side number 205 which on Jun. 29, 1991 experienced a mid-air collision over South Chinese Sea with another Tomcat, the BuNo 161597 side number 201. Both aircraft were from Black Lions of the VF-213, at the time embarked on the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) and while the “201” crashed into the sea where the crew was rescued, the “205” was able to land to Singapore after loosing part of its right wing.

Another proof of the F-14 strength is given by the BuNo 161433, at the time assigned to the VF-142 Ghostriders, that is here photographed while landing aboard the USS Eisenhower (CVN-69) in the Persian Gulf. This picture was taken on Nov. 13, 1991 when the Tomcat lost its radome which hit the canopy, broke the windscreen and injured the pilot, LCdr. Edwards: however Edwards and its Radar Intercept Officer (RIO) LCdr. Grundmeier were able to make a successful landing back aboard the “IKE”. For their skills both aircrew members received the Distinguished Flying Cross decoration and  the Tomcat, which was the seventh A model to be modified to F-14B standards that mounted the new General Electric F-110 engines, was repaired and continued to fly until its retirement in 2004.

 

 

 

http://theaviationist.com/2013/11/06/f-14-damaged/

[+Gepard 11,356]

Here some photos of F-18 mid air damage

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[B52STRATO 215]

Not really the same kind of damages and emergency situations... but these pictures always impressed me.

 

 

 

[+allenjb42 4,240]

What happened with the A-6? Accidental firing of the B/N's ejection seat?

[Nesher 628]

the infamous Wingless F-15 landing 

[Skyviper 1,101]

I hear all the pilots had these on them.

[Skyviper 1,101]

What happened with the A-6? Accidental firing of the B/N's ejection seat?

 

Hey Allenjb42 Here you go.

 

For a brief moment I thought that I had failed to tighten my lap belts, but I knew that wasn't true. Before I could complete that thought, there was a loud bang, followed by wind, noise, disorientation and more wind, wind, wind. Confusion reigned in my mind as I was forced back against my seat, head against the headrest, arms out behind me, the wind roaring in my head, pounding against my body. "Did the canopy blow off? Did I eject? Did my windscreen implode?"

Read more at http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=07286d5068#3KKXbwSHlzXOatp9.99

 

And here is another website featuring pictures. (this website also has some audio)

http://www.gallagher.com/ejection_seat/

 

 

[B52STRATO 215]

What happened with the A-6? Accidental firing of the B/N's ejection seat?

 

Bingo.

You will find much more informations here:

http://www.gallagher.com/ejection_seat/index.htm

[+Gepard 11,356]

I hear all the pilots had these on them.

 

 

Ehm? Really? AFAIK this balls are made for girls. For internal use .

I hope the pilots does not have use for it.