F-14 used as a tanker?

From: "John Carrier"
Date: 7/7/2004 10:42 Pacific Daylight Time

"John R Weiss" wrote in message
news:yMJGc.3411$WX.1296@attbi_s51...
Anyone know of the Tomcat being used in the role of a tanker; especially
during the current period? Can the F-14 pass gas? Thanks

Tanker capability was in the original specs, but the requirement was never
developed (it MAY have been demonstrated once in early development).

Oh really? Never heard it, even in the days of a non-functional mock up and
the dog 'n pony show brief.

OTOH, there's a great picture of an F-18E (F?) configured with five tanks
tanking an F-14. Kinda like having an alcoholic bartender serving drinks to
a teetotaler.

I asked the second part because in looking over available early published
material on the Tomcat's testing and intro there's reference to bomb racks and
some type of a photo/fuel tank combo, but nothing about being a tanker -- which
makes sense given the A-7s, A-6s and KA-6Ds in the inventory at the time.

So here's a followup; regarding the F/A-18A & C Hornets not being able to pass
gass. Why is that exactly? The buddy packs don't have ground clearance?
Something lacking w/in the Hornet itself relating to the hard points perhaps?

Just wondering.

MW