Alle afleveringen
28 afleveringen, van nieuw naar oud
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26. Season 1 Wrap Up & Look Back
30 augustus 2022 · 57 min
This is the 26th and final episode of the F-14 Tomcast season 1. Lees meer
On this episode, Vincent “Jell-O” Aiello of the Fighter Pilot Podcast, interviews hosts Craig “Crunch” Snyder and Dave “Bio” Baranek, discussing favorite parts of the series, missed opportunities, and more.
We also present audience poll results and hints about the future...
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25. Retiring the F-14 Tomcat
16 augustus 2022 · 1 uur 9 min
It is said that all good things come to an end, and so it was with the Tomcat’s service. Lees meer
The end came in 2006, when the final US Navy F-14 squadron, VF-31 Tomcatters, shut down their F-14Ds for the last time. But there’s a lot more to the story than the Tomcat Sunset ceremony at NAS Oceana and a final flight, such as the final deployment and behind-the-scenes activities.
Our guest is uniquely qualified for this topic as he was the last commanding officer of VF-31: James “Puck” Howe. His accounts of the squadron’s performance and the aircraft’s final months will make you proud to be a Tomcat fan!
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24. The F-14 Tomcat in Operation Iraqi Freedom
2 augustus 2022 · 1 uur 40 min
Coalition combat returned to Iraq in 2003 with Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). Among US Navy forces were the Bounty Hunters of VF-2, which brought F-14D Tomcats to the fight. This episode goes into detail on the big fighter’s performance in a challenging threat environment. Lees meer
Our guests are former Tomcat pilot “Grumpy” Kimberly and RIO “Boog” Denneny, who flew demanding missions in OIF and share riveting tales of their experiences. Their opening comments also provide excellent background of the F-14 community in the 1990s and early 2000s.
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23. Claws Out: F-14 Tomcats over Afghanistan post-9/11
19 juli 2022 · 1 uur 15 min
In response to the 9/11 terror attacks, American and coalition forces commenced combat operations in Afghanistan with conventional operations commencing 7 October 2001. It was an incredible period in history, and our guest was a key participant. Lees meer
Former F-14 RIO Mike "Tung" Peterson describes what it was like being deployed when 9/11 happened…and flying in the first strike to begin the military response.
A member of VF-213 flying from USS Carl Vinson, Tung describes aerial refueling challenges that almost turned his first mission into a disaster (but was saved by a daring USAF tanker crew), enthusiasm among the ship’s crew to avenge the attacks, and dealing with the MANPAD threat. He relates a heart-stopping mission to support friendlies in a desperate situation and shows his “Afghanistan ordnance Christmas tree.”
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22. Firing the AIM-54 in Anger
5 juli 2022 · 1 uur 8 min
The AIM-54 Phoenix air-to-air missile was a major part of the F-14 program: it affected the Tomcat’s design and was the weapon that gave the Tomcat its unique and most impressive capabilities. Lees meer
During the Tomcat’s three-plus decades of service with the US Navy, however, American crews had only three combat Phoenix launches and none were successful. Our guest was one of those shooters.
We interview “Jumby” Castleton, the lead RIO in a section of F-14Ds that attacked Iraqi aircraft in January 1999 during Operation Southern Watch. While the Phoenix did not score a kill, the tactics used by the Tomcat crews, and the Hornet crews with them, make a great story!
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21. Flying the F-14 Tomcat Air Show Demo
21 juni 2022 · 1 uur 30 min
Sure, you’ve seen an air show, and the lucky have seen an F-14 Tomcat demonstration, but you will be amazed by what it took to train for the performance and what it was like to fly a show in the big fighter! Lees meer
We interview a pilot and RIO team, "Shorn" Saccomando and "Ponch" Rivera, who candidly reveal the extreme professionalism and commitment required to succeed in this high-risk mission.
They talk about managing the incredible power of the F110 engines in the D model, dealing with the FAA, and how a pilot and RIO worked together to show off the incredible capabilities of the F-14D. They conclude with some of their memorable quotes and explain the story behind each one.
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20. "Speed & Angels", the Documentary (not Movie)
7 juni 2022 · 1 uur 10 min
Aviation fans are likely familiar with the movie 'Speed & Angels,' a 2008 documentary that still receives high praise for its fighter aviation scenes and realism. The film follows two upcoming F-14 pilots in training, reveals their life stories and dreams, and continues as they enter the fleet. Lees meer
Our guests are one of the pilots profiled in the film, Meagan Flannigan (who was then Meagan Varley), and the fighter pilot who originated the idea and worked tirelessly to see it to completion, Paco Chierici.
This episode is full of revelations about flying the Tomcat, making a movie, and living in front of the camera.
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19. The Tomcat and "Top Gun" (the Movie)
24 mei 2022 · 1 uur 55 min
One of the stars of the 1986 movie 'Top Gun' was undeniably the F-14 Tomcat,. Lees meer
On this episode, we dig deep into what it took to create this memorable film. From the canopy-to-canopy scene, tower fly-by, and low-altitude flights over the desert, filming Top Gun required careful coordination and skillful performance from all involved, including the aviators, camera operators, and others.
Former F-14 pilots “Bozo” Abel and “Smegs” Semcken were instrumental participants who offer their first-person recollections of the challenges and successes that helped make this iconic film. They disclose details that are sure to surprise!
As a bonus, at the end of the interview we show a few minutes of never-before-seen HUD video from one of the TOPGUN squadron F-5s while filming scenes involving the “MiG-28.”
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18. Adversary Pilots Battle the F-14
10 mei 2022 · 1 uur 8 min
In the 1970s and 80s, the US Navy maintained a robust adversary force to provide air-to-air training for its fighter squadrons, proving it had learned from experiences in Vietnam. Lees meer
Our guest was an F-14 Tomcat pilot who served as an adversary, flying the A-4 Skyhawk and the F-21 Kfir – an Israeli product based on the sleek Mirage 5, with a powerful J79 engine.
Retired Commander Bob “BB” Brauer talks about close-in combat as a Tomcat pilot, and what it was like to fight against the big fighter. He describes tricks the adversaries used and recalls his encounters with famous Tomcat pilots Hoser and Snort, as well as fighters of other services.
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17. Keep 'em Flying: Tomcat Technicians
26 april 2022 · 1 uur 15 min
The AWG-9 radar was one of the systems that made the Tomcat a remarkable fighter when it was introduced. It had exceptional range and multi-shot capability but required specialized maintenance to operate at full capability. Lees meer
On this episode, two former Aviation Electronics Technicians – ATs in Navy rating language – provide a different perspective on the F-14. Barry Shumate and John Kovar discuss how they learned their craft: Navy schools, spending free time in the shop, sharing tricks with other ATs, and more.
They describe repair methods you won’t believe and the hilarious pranks they pulled.
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16. Tomcats over Kosovo
12 april 2022 · 1 uur 26 min
The Tomcat’s debut as a precision strike-fighter came in 1999 with NATO Operation Allied Force in Kosovo. Lees meer
On this episode, a former F-14 RIO who played a key role in the Tomcat’s successful performance reveals unexpected OAF stories. Retired Rear Admiral Dell “Snapper” Bull, deployed with VF-14 aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt from March-September 1999.
Snapper recalls combat experiences, sharing stories first-told here. You’ll hear technical details, learn about the value of delay lazing, and be reminded that resourceful aviators often make the difference between failure and success.
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15. The Air Force F-15 Pilot who Flew the F-14
29 maart 2022 · 1 uur 37 min
The F-14 and F-15 were developed only a few years apart and their intended missions overlapped, so a rivalry was only natural. Lees meer
On this episode, a USAF F-15C pilot assigned to a Navy F-14A squadron for an exchange tour provides wide-ranging and entertaining comments on squadron environment, training, and other topics – as well as the fighters themselves: handling characteristics, engines, and much more.
Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Doug “Norton” Carney peppers the discussion with different terms for some familiar Navy items, such as calling the PLAT the “danger channel.”
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14. Night Eyes for the Tomcat
15 maart 2022 · 1 uur 6 min
US Navy carrier aviation underwent significant changes in the 1990s, with the retirement of several aircraft types and much debate over the future. Lees meer
A team of visionaries realized the F-14 Tomcat would be more valuable if it could improve its multi-mission performance and do so quickly – so the team got to work adapting the Air Force LANTIRN (Low Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared for Night) system to make the Tomcat a premiere precision strike-fighter.
Our guest is former F-14 RIO Dave “HeyJoe” Parsons, known to most F-14 fans for his books and incredible photographs, who was also a key member of the small team that worked miracles in getting LANTIRN on the Tomcat in record time. HeyJoe identifies the people who led the charge and describes how they made it happen.
This interview provides fascinating insights into military procurement, showing what a few determined people can accomplish, and explains why the Tomcat was an exceptional strike-fighter.
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13. Rig the Barricade!
1 maart 2022 · 1 uur 12 min
US Navy aircraft carrier operations are complex and challenging for the aircrew and shipboard personnel. A back-up exists for almost everything, and the ultimate backup for landing is a barricade recovery. Lees meer
We talk to a pilot and RIO about their night barricade recovery while flying with VF-2 aboard the USS Ranger in 1989. Pager and Rico describe how they got into the situation, how they prepared when starting this unusual approach, and what it was like flying into a giant net at 150 mph!
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12. F-14 Tomcats in Desert Storm
15 februari 2022 · 1 uur 25 min
Operation Desert Storm, which started in January 1991, was a landmark event in modern warfare and the F-14 Tomcat made some important contributions. Lees meer
On this episode, former F-14 pilot “Fuzzy” Matheson and RIO “Woodie” Wood, who flew combat missions with VF-84 aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt, discuss taking the big fighter into combat.
Fuzzy and Woodie share fascinating stories about last-minute training, chaotic early missions, and learning some hard lessons of combat … plus how Desert Storm influenced TOPGUN and other Naval Aviation training.
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11. F-14D Combat Systems
1 februari 2022 · 1 uur 49 min
The F-14D "Super" Tomcat introduced a host of new combat systems: including the APG-71 radar, Infrared Search and Track (IRST). Lees meer
On this episode, combat-experienced F-14D RIO “Fun” Mhley provides the scoop on how combat effectiveness was enhanced on the Tomcat's ultimate version, and spoiler alert - it was a lot more than just an improved radar!
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10. Photo Reconnaissance Tomcats
18 januari 2022 · 1 uur 25 min
The photo reconnaissance mission requires a high level of aircrew proficiency and is as challenging and exciting as any traditional strike fighter missions. Lees meer
The F-14 performed “recce” using TARPS – a massive pod on the Tomcat’s belly that carried multiple cameras. We interview RIOs from early and later in the TARPS program, “Rooter” Root and “Santa” Noel, respectively, who describe everything from mission preparation to high-profile flights and combat missions.
Additionally, technical expert “Kodak” Tennyson, a former limited duty officer, adds details on camera capabilities, film handling, the TARPS program, and more.
Smile, you’re on camera!
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9. Flying the F-14D "Super" Tomcat
4 januari 2022 · 1 uur 23 min
This episode provides the full story of the F-14D, sometimes known as the Super Tomcat, as only “Jungle” Jones can tell it. The D-model brought powerful engines and many other improved systems to the fight, and our guest enthusiastically reports on their effectiveness. Lees meer
Jungle was an F-14D pilot and TOPGUN instructor who takes us into his combat missions as well as training dogfights where he surprised many friendly fighters who didn’t realize what the ultimate Tomcat could do.
A great story-teller, Jungle holds nothing back in reporting on the problems experienced when the F-14D was new, but mostly its strengths when put to the test.
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End of Year Bonus - December 2021
26 december 2021 · 41 min
Crunch and Bio tell the stories behind their callsigns and answer questions: Fuzzbusters, fuel ladders, switching between the Tomcat and Hornet, and more! Lees meer
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/f-14_tomcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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8. Tomcat Ordnancemen
21 december 2021 · 1 uur 30 min
Hot steel on target, on time - that’s the difference between a strike fighter feared by the enemy and parade aircraft. Lees meer
The men who enable that mission effectiveness are Aviation Ordnancemen, who proudly call themselves “Ordies.” In this wild episode we interview two Ordies who embody the professionalism and fighting spirit of the rating: Randy Zeitler and Steve Folsom.
With raucous energy they talk about the weapons that gave the Tomcat its claws, as well as the unforgiving flight deck environment, life in an F-14 squadron, and many other details you won’t hear elsewhere.
Randy and Steve's admiration for the Tomcat and its flight crews is evident, as well as their pride at being an essential part of the program during combat operations.
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7. Filming "The Final Countdown"
7 december 2021 · 1 uur 3 min
The first big-screen appearance of the F-14 was in the 1980 sci-fi adventure The Final Countdown, which has gained fans and respect as the years go by. Lees meer
We get the full story from a former Tomcat pilot who flew many of the memorable scenes in this Tomcat classic. Al “Shoes” Mullen was a lieutenant in VF-84 who had recently completed the Navy’s TOPGUN training when he was sent to Key West to film some unknown movie.
A great story-teller, Shoes describes how the movie-makers struggled to effectively and safely film the aerial action, and gives his reaction to the famous scene where it looks like a Tomcat almost flies into the water. In addition to his role in the film, Shoes has amusing stories about his time in the Training Command and his later tour as a TOPGUN instructor.
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6. Developing the FAC-A Mission for the F-14
23 november 2021 · 1 uur 12 min
After 20 years of strictly air-to-air missions, the F-14 community embraced air-to-ground, including the challenging role of Forward Air Controller – Airborne (FAC-A). This episode addresses the Tomcat’s performance in FAC-A as well as the big picture of this demanding mission. Lees meer
Retired US Navy Captain Paul “PK” Averna was an F-14 pilot and instructor at Strike Weapons and Tactics School, Atlantic (SWATSLANT) who was personally involved in launching FAC-A training in the F-14 community. In addition to technical details of the mission and weapons associated with FAC-A, PK compares the Marine Corps MAWTS training program with the TOPGUN program, and discusses related missions such as Combat Search and Rescue.
PK’s comments range from writing mission notes on the canopy to combat missions over Bosnia: “NATO forces surrounded an ammo depot held by the Serbs. … The ground FAC said, ‘We need a show of force here.’ … I ended up peeling off … and thumping the ammo depot. … They gave up their guns right then.”
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5. Flying Iranian Tomcats
9 november 2021 · 1 uur 7 min
* * * Update: While some viewers challenge the veracity of our guest, we stand by him. * * * Lees meer
Most people familiar with the F-14 know Iran was the only country outside the US to operate the big fighter, but they likely know little of the Persian Cat otherwise. This candid interview with a former Iranian Tomcat pilot takes viewers where few have gone: inside the Iranian F-14 program.
We hide the identity of our guest for his personal security, but we get the full story of his experience: his selection for Tomcats, what he thought of his instructors, the condition of the aircraft and facilities, and even some war stories. He talks about practice intercepts with the MiG-25, use of the F-14 as a “mini-AWACS,” and attitudes toward external threats such as American and Israeli forces.
We avoid political issues but as the interview progresses, our guest says he cannot talk about the military forces without touching on certain political aspects--and his revelations are surprising.
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4. Flying the F-14 Tomcat
26 oktober 2021 · 1 uur 33 min
When introduced, the Grumman F-14 Tomcat set new standards for maneuverability and controllability, making it a great dogfighter. Lees meer
On this episode, a renowned Tomcat driver describes those capabilities and goes further, providing valuable insights on topics from flying skills to US Navy training programs.
Retired US Navy Captain Sam “Slammer” Richardson takes us from his early days in pilot training to his time as the CO of the F-14 training squadron (aka the RAG), where he flew A-model Tomcats and won dogfights against student pilots in D models to teach them how to be better pilots. A former TOPGUN instructor, Slammer shares his thoughts on learning that “trick maneuver,” how to become a good Tomcat pilot, and launching the program that changed Navy F-14 training. He also debriefs his famous engagement where he gunned a MiG-29 (in training).
With more than 2,700 F-14 flight hours, Slammer says, “The Tomcat was an easy airplane to fly, but hard to fly well.”
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3. The AWG-9 Radar and AIM-54 Phoenix Missile
12 oktober 2021 · 1 uur 14 min
The AWG-9 radar and weapons control system was one of the defining features of the F-14A Tomcat. Its multi-target track and missile control capabilities were unique, particularly when paired with the remarkable AIM-54 Phoenix. However, a skilled RIO was required to achieve peak performance. Lees meer
On this episode, former F-14 RIO and TOPGUN instructor, retired US Navy Captain Ken “Wahoo” Ginader, takes us through the Tomcat weapons system’s strengths, reveals secrets, and dispels myths.
Wahoo gives a great overview of what it was like to operate this airborne powerhouse and reveals unexpected comments on the Iran hostage rescue mission of 1980. He also tells some exciting stories of missile exercises that demonstrated the Tomcat’s prowess.
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2. The F-14 Tomcat Joins the Fleet
28 september 2021 · 1 uur 19 min
What was it like to fly the F-14A Tomcat in the early days when everything was new and different? Lees meer
Retired US Navy Vice Admiral Marty "Streak" Chanik and Captain “Ler” Brad Poeltler, members of the VF-1 “Wolfpack” for the F-14's second operational deployment (1976-77), share vivid memories and exciting flying stories from how they were initially admitted into the competitive F-14 program to what it was like flying the Navy’s sizzling hot new fighter. They talk about some of the Tomcat’s amazing new capabilities as well as flaws that had yet to be repaired, which led to Ler watching his wingman eject on one particular training mission.
When asked which systems worked and which didn’t, Streak and Ler's replies were somewhat surprising, which can also be said about some of their missions and training. But they agreed the Tomcat was one “amazing” aircraft.
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1. Flight Testing the New F-14 Tomcat
14 september 2021 · 2 uur
The Grumman F-14 Tomcat was the US Navy’s frontline fighter for 30 years. A revolutionary design when new, the 'big fighter' remained potent throughout its illustrious career. But aircraft like this don’t come easy, and the Tomcat experienced significant development challenges during flight test. Lees meer
Legendary Grumman test pilot Kurt Schroeder pulls back the curtain on the F-14’s design and flight test program, providing little-known facts and stunning insights throughout the interview. Growing pains, design innovations, amazing performance – Kurt tells all with an engineer’s insight and laid-back test pilot delivery.
His conclusion pretty well sums up the Tomcat: “For a whole bunch of reasons, I would tout the F-14 as the absolute best designed airplane you can envision."
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0. Welcome to Season 1 of the F-14 Tomcast
13 september 2021 · 8 min
Fighter Pilot Podcast founder, Vincent "Jell-O" Aiello, introduces former F-14 Tomcat pilot Craig "Crunch" Snyder and RIO Dave "Bio" Baranek who will host season 1 of this podcast.
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