Streakeagle I just had a quick question. Did you read the osprey publication
Where the Iranians were actually able to test the F-14 vs the F-15 and their response?
I'll try to summarize what they said as best as possible from memory. (I own the book and have read it from cover to cover twice)
"Both the IIAF and the Shah had studied the F-14A and the F-15A since their inception. In 1972, we learned that the F-15A with the AIM-7F missile was to be a deadly fighter-weapon mix, but not as deadly and the AIM-54-armed F-14A. It was clear to us that the F-14/AWG-9 pulse Doppler radar/AIM-54 combination would be unequalled in the world."
He goes on to say, "...we also concluded earlier on that the F-15A would not be as manoeuvrable or as flexible as the F-14A. The Tomcat has very straightforward flight chatacteristics, but is highly agile...the F-14A always wins against the F-15A."
And if you doubt his credibility he states, "I was later to fly F-15As with the USAF in mock-dogfights against US Navy F-14As."
The Iranians chose the F-14A over the F-15A not only because of what was mentioned above but also; to have a "flying radar" to cover the lapses in radar coverage along with an interceptor of Mig-25R's.
If you need anymore info I will be more than happy to supply.