| I mentioned the Super-Hornet possibly being made Phoenix (or some ALRAAM replacement) capable too. But, something I did not go into is the radar system in the F-14 is the largest part of what makes the Phoenix such a potent weapon. And, as I am not an engineer I cannot really say wether or not the radar used in the outgoing F-14 or the radar proposed as it's replacement in potential upgraded models will actually fit in the Super-Hornet!
Before anyone scoffs remember that just as the A-10 was designed around it's gun the Cat was designed around it's radar/weapons systems. Even if that radar system would fit into a Hornet, one has to wonder how much range or other capabilties the Super Hornet would have to forfeit to shoehorn it in there?
If I recall somebody actually proposed to the Navy the idea of placing Phoenix's, or a replacement, on the Hornet to match the capability of the F-14. However, if I recall they would literally have to slave the plane's radar to the Hawkeyes and essentially use the big Hawk's crew in some convoluted "remote RIO" role when firing the Phoenix. I can only surmise this means that fitment of the system to the Super Hornet is an issue. Somebody may know more about this than myself.
This was definately one of the greater brain farts committed by the Navy in recent memory. |