TaiidanTomcat Posted October 25, 2012 Share Posted October 25, 2012 Profile by Christopher Cooper Back story to follow, just wanted to get the thread going! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Col. Posted October 25, 2012 Share Posted October 25, 2012 Nice starting point. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F-32 Posted October 25, 2012 Share Posted October 25, 2012 Nice! Imagine that, Iraqi Tomcats v Iranian Tomcats, now that would be a serious furball. What kit are you planning to use? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveJL Posted October 25, 2012 Share Posted October 25, 2012 looks interesting! Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TaiidanTomcat Posted October 26, 2012 Author Share Posted October 26, 2012 Nice! Imagine that, Iraqi Tomcats v Iranian Tomcats, now that would be a serious furball. What kit are you planning to use? The Revell/Monogram 1/48 kit. should have some pics posted tomorrow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Procopius Posted October 26, 2012 Share Posted October 26, 2012 Nice! Imagine that, Iraqi Tomcats v Iranian Tomcats, now that would be a serious furball. I imagine they'd each just volley off all their Sparrows and then head home. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arniec Posted October 26, 2012 Share Posted October 26, 2012 Nice subject! I like the camouflage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMChladek Posted October 27, 2012 Share Posted October 27, 2012 So would it be an F-14 that Iraq bought, or one that defected from Iran during the war? Fascinating. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daniel Posted November 4, 2012 Share Posted November 4, 2012 Great profile, should be a good story..? Dan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TaiidanTomcat Posted November 9, 2012 Author Share Posted November 9, 2012 So would it be an F-14 that Iraq bought, or one that defected from Iran during the war? Fascinating. 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. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TaiidanTomcat Posted November 9, 2012 Author Share Posted November 9, 2012 I am building two Tomcats at the same time so, no you are not seeing double! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Headroom Posted November 9, 2012 Share Posted November 9, 2012 Cool cat! (Sorry but I'd thought I'd claim that one!). One suggestion. When Israel got her F-16's (originally intended for Iran...........WHIF anyone?) they had the orangey yellowy triangles to avoid confusion with Egypt's aircraft. Wotabout something similar to differentiate them from the Iranian birds? Trevor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TaiidanTomcat Posted November 9, 2012 Author Share Posted November 9, 2012 Cool cat! (Sorry but I'd thought I'd claim that one!). One suggestion. When Israel got her F-16's (originally intended for Iran...........WHIF anyone?) they had the orangey yellowy triangles to avoid confusion with Egypt's aircraft. Wotabout something similar to differentiate them from the Iranian birds? Trevor Got it planned my friend! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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