Caesar

The loadout depends on what the squadron thought was appropriate and the timeframe. I think "Hey Joe" Parsons (F-14 RIO) said during his stint with VF-32 they carried 4 sparrow between the intakes, while their sister squadron (VF-14 at the time, IIRC) had 2 AIM-54 under there. "Skogs" Skogsberg (F-14 Pilot, VF-14) had 1, 3, 2 (Phoenix, Sparrow, Sidewinder) in '83-'84, VF-41 and -84 did a 2,4 (Sparrow, Sidewinder) while off the coast of Iran. VF-1 on the first cruise had 2 Phoenix, 1 Sparrow and 4 Sidewinder, but even that was variable ("Turk" Pentecost recounts a 1,2,4 also used). - all this info can be found at Tomcat Sunset (link posted by DWCAce). As DWCAce stated, the AIM-54's pallets added weight as well, but also they take away from the lift generated by the tunnel/pancake, so the F-14 isn't getting as much lift even after having fired the -54's, so a pure "fighter" loadout would be better off with either 4, 4 or 6, 2 (Sparrow, Sidewinder). The Phoenix's effectiveness against fighters always seems debatable - the Iranians claim to have quite a few fighter kills with the earliest "A" models of the missile. The missile also improved much over the years, and the late versions (C+, C++ block 7) would be tough to beat even in a maneuverable plane. Unfortunately, a lot of the details on why are still classified, but I can assume that because the missile is launched in TWS mode, the target isn't going to be maneuvering much because they aren't going to know they are being shot at until the missile goes terminal/active when it is right on top of them. EDIT: Vampyre, great shots!

Already had some discussion on it: http://forum.combatace.com/index.php?showtopic=38352

Thank you all, and congratulations! Just flew the -35C...friggin' awesome!

Yep, I do, and it is fun. If you get a chance, check it out. I will tell you though, some of the radio calls are pretty friggin' bad towards the end of 6...

I thought AC6 was one of the better titles (been with the series since 1); the comms didn't piss me off as much as before and the cockpits and models saw some definate impovement. Of course it's an arcade style game, but I find it fun. On the other hand, even though I own it, I really am not a fan of Over G. For trying to be "realistic" it fails pretty miserably, IMHO; it has some nice aspects to it, but it tries WAY too hard to be difficult, not to a realistic point either. Max engagement range of 10NM, fighters handle like pigs even when you're at 50% fuel and guns only, low G authority on planes that should have far greater authority, no low-speed maneuverability on any plane whatsoever...why the hell does my Tomcat handle like it's at 72,000lbs, lugging 6 Phoenix when it's only at 56,000lbs lugging a gun? Why does my F-16 only have a 360*/s roll rate when I've got 2 AIM-9's on the wings and that's it? Ugh... Sorry for the rant, but I did expect a bit more from the game at $60.

S!

Ah, roger. You know, I just remembered why I went with 360 instead of PS3: it was when I learned Ace Combat 6 was only going to be released on the 360, and I had initially intended on going with a PS3 because I had the PS1 and PS2 and figured that series would make the jump to the PS3 as well. In the end, it was that one game that made me go with the 360...kinda funny now that I think about it, but like I said, I'm satisfied with it.

I'd trust it more if it were made in Germany, to be honest. I wouldn't mind having a PS3 also, but I don't have the funds for it, and the 360 has the games I like, so that's why I own one. Charley, I haven't noticed low frame rates with Soul Calibur IV or Street Fighter IV either, so I have no idea where that came from, and yes, I have played them on both systems. Also, I agree with you, the PS3 has a LOT more potential. It's harder to program for, but with more space on the discs and the multi-core processor the PS3 really is a fine system with great possibilities. Maybe in the future when the price comes down I'll get one but for now I'm quite satisfied with my 360.

I hear ya, Rambler. Got two Atari VCS' (2600) still running here, a 1977 Sunnyvale and 1978 model, respectively. Still work with widescreen HDTV's, graphics are a joke in comparison to anything today, but man are the games FUN!

1. The LGBs work for player aircraft so long as you have a laser designator like LANTIRN (I haven't flown the -117 missions yet, but I'm guessing it's onboard like it is for the F-15E). 2. The loadout screen will show all available ordinance. If in campaign mode the only ordinance offered is LGB's, then that's what you have to work with. The wingmen should still drop them, but they'll drop them like dumbfall bombs. On single mission, all weapons that the plane can carry (by class) will show up.

My 360 just got RROD after about a year and a half of use. Supposed to be back by next week. Even so, I still like my 360 - great game library, great online support. I have no problems with the PS3 either, one of my friends owns one and it's a solid system, but I don't see myself buying one any time soon.

Whenever you want. I use them a lot during ACM especially with the F-14 and F-15, which have great rudder authority. They're especially helpful winging the nose around at low airspeeds and for commanded departures/recoveries.

Buildin' a Block 65 F-14A

Thank you, Erik!

Either "Caesar" or "John Everyman"

S!

I can see your Schwarz is as big as mine...but let's see how you handle it!

I just thought of something: this isn't a prequel, it's an alternate history. I guess I can't get too involved with why I thought that without giving away the plot, but based on the events of the movie, it changed things so that technically, everything that happened in the original universe still certainly did happen.

Just saw it. It was awesome, and I'd highly recommend going.

I'm planning on seeing it this afternoon to celebrate commissioning. Only heard good things about it so I'm really looking forward to it!

Grandfather on my mother's side was a plane-mech (blue shirt) but ended up never going on a cruise (think he was stationed at Pearl Harbor, only after the attack). Grandfather on my father's side was a CB and was part of the island hopping campaign, building runways as they went along.

Felices Natales Vobis!

Thanks and congratulations on another great bird!

I thought you guys were like 2900yrs old or so with a bit of a hiatus??? Either way, Felix LXI vel MMCMLXI Natalis Israele!

<S!>