TaiidanTomcat

I'm going to go with "Miss" Hit or Miss. Its an awful lot of supposition, I did enjoy how you included a non flyable model used for a TV show in your argument. It was a standard form the start that the skin be repairable and more field expedient, not to mention cheaper and easier to maintain in general than the stealth coating done in the past. The F-35 features “supportable” VLO. That is, the VLO on this plane comes with very low maintenance cost. Stealth aircraft of the past couldn’t make that claim. Because radar detects sharp edges, even small mismatches between exterior parts on past VLO planes were smoothed out using epoxy. The epoxy would dry, harden and separate in the field—meaning it had to be frequently inspected and replaced. By contrast, adjacent parts of the F-35 match so fluidly and precisely that no epoxy is needed. The trouble with previous stealth aircraft has disappeared. This benefit—alongside the economics of versatile use—has helped to win the joint support of many military services. They include not just U.S. military branches, but also those of eight other partner countries. Each branch has influence in proportion to its contribution, so the non-U.S. countries have committed more than $4 billion toward the development of the plane. This is money the U.S. taxpayer does not have to spend. - See more at: http://customcarbidetools.com/process-solutions/composites-machining-for-the-lockheed-martin-f-35/#sthash.KwMqdgPL.dpuf Very cool article, written from an industry perspective. But you can continue not believing Neu

Sharp masking! nice job there

I think it will be a winner no matter which scheme you choose!

This has been a joy to watch.

That looks great! Almost there!

Wow! What a picture! Superb job with the tail as well

Excellent paint work! What did you use to create the ECM blisters?

Got it planned my friend!

I am building two Tomcats at the same time so, no you are not seeing double!

Quick backstory! The loss of the advanced American Warplanes to the new Regime in Iran, was a terrible blow to the US. It was lesson that many vowed would not be soon forgotten. One year into the Iran-Iraq war the lesson was forgotten. The curiousity about potential combat performance was simply too much to ignore, and with Iraq requesting assistance, and money to burn the US Consented to the sale of 100 F-14A Tomcats, Slightly upgraded to stay ahead of the Iranians. When political insiders balked and asked why we would potentially make the same mistake twice, they were simply told "We don't learn lessons" And that was that. Much like Iran's Tomcats, Iraqi F-14s had a dodgy, and mysterious combat career, with simple victories and confounding defeats. In its initial first year of service an estimated 3 Tomcats were downed by friendly fire, leading the Iraqis to include more visual ID markings, and being more careful as to when and how they were used. Both sides were very pensive with their Tomcats, afraid to lose them by taking too many chances. Many loosed missiles and turned away, were used for airborne warning, or only engaged when they were sure their targets were no match. Both sides employing the F-14s were scared of F-14s and their long range missiles meaning Tomcat to Tomcat encounters were infrequent, though they did occur. As more Iraqi Tomcats arrived, the the IrAF became less risk averse and began pressing attacks, leading to more dogfights between the type. As IrAF Tomcats and Foxbats began coordinating, in operations, along with IrAF aircraft employing new missiles, Iran found itself at a disadvantage. Several large battles took place the last two years of the war, but details remain scarce. It was estimated that Iraq lost between 20-30 of its Tomcats in the war with Iran, due to various causes (many factors besides combat are often blamed.) IrAF F-14s were instrumental in the invasion of Kuwait in 1990, sweeping the skies ahead of the Iraqi Forces before retreating to the "safety" of bases deeper in Iraq. After losses on the first night of the 1991 war many Tomcats fled --of all places-- To Iran. Bolstering IRIAF numbers. The F-14s that stayed in Iraq were severely limited in spare parts and rarely flew even before the 2003 invasion finished them off for good. Surviving Tomcats were often shipped back to the US where they were repainted in USN markings and relegated to gate guard status or museum pieces.

excited to see it!

I love the color choice!

Awesome job! looks "right"

More impressed with every update!

Great job on the weaponry!