"John Carrier" wrote in message
news |
|
| OBTW, the F-14A programming optimized performance at the upper end and
| (theoretically) could outaccelerate an F15A above 1.6 or so. Ramp
| reprogramming, elimination of the glove vanes, and some additional drag
| counts make the F-14B (and moreso the D) slower above 1.6 than the old A
| with significantly less thrust. OTOH, the B and D have their ramp
| scheduling optimized for real world tactical requirements. They're
awesome
| in the transonic range. A clean F-14B/D can exceed both its NATOPS and
| manufacturer's KIAS placard limits, even if they're barely mach 2 capable
| (if that, I've heard 1.9).
|
| R / John
|



How relevant is Mach 2+ performance these days - how relevant was it at all
?


I can imagine high speed being useful when intercepting the odd Foxbat or
two, but otherwise - how often would you require such high speeds ?





Cheers


Dave Kearton