Thread: "End of an era: USN's Tomcats make their final approach before decommissioning"
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Old March 23rd 06, 02:54 AM posted to rec.aviation.military.naval
Doug \Woody\ and Erin Beal
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Default "End of an era: USN's Tomcats make their final approachbefore decommissioning"
On 3/22/06 5:03 PM, in article ,
"John Carrier" wrote:

The F-14Ds are also armed with a 20 mm M61 Vulcan cannon and,
extraordinarily, these guns were used for ground strafing on two
occasions by VF-213 (and also by F/A-18Cs).

Reportedly the gun is one of favourite air-to-ground weapons of USMC
Hornet drivers (no VMFA embarked for this cruise), but never before I
heard about Tomcats doing ground strafing. Was it too heavy?

Very nice strafe aircraft, gun and sight. Of course, putting the jet into
the strafe environment puts it in the ground fire environment as well. Not
recommended for heavily and properly defended targets.

R / John



I concur with John's tactical comments on strafing.

Despite the increased vulnerability, it occasionally becomes necessary to
strafe now and then when troops are in close contact. The gun is a fine A/G
weapon--effective, precise, and discriminating (when employed correctly).

--Woody