The big upgrade to the DCS F-14 Tomcat is coming "soon": we're finally gonna get a modern HUD and quite a few other goodies with which to play when the B(U) model is released in a few weeks(?).

The Tomcat is extremely easy to launch from an aircraft carrier, but is rather challenging to recover onboard due to all the swing wings, spoilers, flaps, limited HUD, etc.

So I figured I better go ahead and start chipping the rust off in preparation for the B(U) launch day.

I chose this lovely white livery of VX-9 test squadron based out of China Lake, CA. Though primarily a land based squadron, they do periodically fly out and perform carrier operations as part of their aircraft evaluations.

(Almost) Ready to move to the catapult:

All hooked up and ready to spool:

Spooled up (but NO afterburners when launching Tomcat B!). Ready? SALUTE!

0-150kts in 2 seconds :)

Finished the clearing turn and coming back to carrier heading. Maintain 350' for 7nm to avoid overhead traffic, then clear to ascend & depart on mission.

That was EASY - now off to practice the hard part!

Edited July 9Jul 9 by UrgentSiesta

Fine set of shots !

cheers 😉

Wow, that’s really cool.