The Tomcat was introduced into fleet service by CVW-14 aboard USS Enterprise (CVAN-65). The newly formed VF-1 and VF-2 made that introduction, and with VF-1 already done, I started work on a F-14A Tomcat of VF-2 “Bounty Hunters”. From the photo reference i have been able to find, it seems that the chin pod of VF-1 was different from the one on the VF-2 birds. Can anybody disclose why that is ? To be taken to the VF-2 section click the thumbnail below
F-14A Tomcat, VF-2 “Bounty Hunters”, 1975
The chin pod depicted looks like the IRST/TCS chin pod that was on the F-14D (VF-2 transitioned from the F-14A to the newer F-14D at Miramar in the 1993 timeframe). My guess your reference photo is of a VF-2 bird after that transition. If you find earlier pictures of a VF-2 Tomcat prior to this timeframe, the chin pods and the entire aircraft should look exactly like the VF-1 F-14A Tomcat (except for the paint job of course!)
Hi Michael
Thanks for you comment. The Chin pod on the VF-2 Tomcat isn´t the double barrel chin pod of the D´model but rather the IR seeker/ALQ-100 used on early A-models. I was only wondering why the two sister squadrons used different chin pods. Some have suggested it was due to VF-2 having Phoenix capabilities and VF-1 did not, but i would really like have that verified.
Thanks again for your comment 😉