I've just finished reading the following book about the F-14 in Iranian
hands:

http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P...1.LZZZZZZZ.jpg

It is a well written account which is claimed to be based upon extensive
research and talks with Iranian, and some Iraqi, aircrew.

With the caveat of the usual inflation of kills when talking with "those who
where there", particularly in what concerns BVR kills, the book is
consistent with the many leaked details that have been emerging for several
years.

For those less attentive to the complexities of the Middle East politics and
operations, it can be a bit of an eye opener, but there are plenty of people
around, from the "air-warrior" community, that have claimed in print and on
the net that they had interesting times they cannot speak openly about.

To cut the introduction short, and getting to the theme I'd like to see
discussed...

It seems there is credible evidence for around 130 air-to-air F-14 kills,
with some 40 of those been AIM-54 kills. Actual recorded claims are higher
than that, but let's stay cautious.

The Iraqis have sure lost quite a lot of aircraft during the long Iraq-Iran
war, with quite a few MiG-21/23/25, Mirage F1, Su-22 and other assorted
types being credited to the Tomcats by both sides. It has been often relayed
as a fact that, during the 1st Gulf War, the Iraqis were very unwilling to
go anywhere near the USN F-14s and their tell-tale AWG-9 signature, while
not being so shy towards the Eagles. Reports have come out - both recent and
old - of Iraqi pilots saying that the F-14s were the Iranian aircraft they
most feared...

So what do you think? Are the politicos (in and out of uniform) giving the
Buffalo the thumbs down for reasons other than performance? Is the F-14 a
more successful fighter than we have been lead to believe? Or not?

_____________
José Herculano