757flyer Posted August 7, 2020 Share Posted August 7, 2020 Have a couple questions about the Top Cat... First, is the configuration of the F-14A in this image a typical one for Tomcats, or just early ones? This is 159013. Note only the inner-most section of the flaps are down, and the leading edge slats are up: Second, in this photo of three late VF-84 Tomcats demonstrating different mission loadouts, what is the pod hanging on the starboard forward Phoenix pallet on the lead aircraft carrying the TARPS pod? Is it a variant of the AN/ALQ-167? Thanks! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
wxltcol Posted August 8, 2020 Share Posted August 8, 2020 It appears to be an AN/ALQ-167 pod. I think the F-14 TARPS birds carried this in addition to the TARPS pod. I can't tell if it also has the Expanded Chaff Adapter as well. Tom Quote Link to post Share on other sites
GW8345 Posted August 8, 2020 Share Posted August 8, 2020 For the inboard flap (Aux Flap) - That is an early thing, here's what the NATOP's says; The flaps and slats form the high−lift system, which provides the aircraft with augmented lift during the two modes of operation: takeoff or landing and maneuvering flight. The flaps are of the single−slotted type, sectioned into three panels on each wing. The two outboard sections are the main flaps utilized during both modes of operation. The inboard section (auxiliary flap) is commanded only during takeoff or landing. The slats consist of two sections per wing mechanically linked to the main flaps. Flaps down greater than 10º enable the wheels warning light interlock, and greater than 25º enable direct lift control. The main flap and slat portion of the high−lift system is positioned with a dual redundant hydromechanical servo loop in response to the FLAP handle command. The auxiliary flap is a two−position control surface powered by the combined hydraulic system. With the FLAP handle exceeding 5º deflection, the auxiliary flaps fully extend. Conversely, they retract for a FLAP handle position equal to or less than 5º. The torque of the flap and slat drive hydraulic motor is transmitted by flexible driveshafts to each wing. In aircraft BuNo 158978 through 161167 not incorporating AYC 660P1, automatic flap and slat retraction from the landing and takeoff position is provided for airspeeds greater than 225 knots for any FLAP handle position within the normal range of 0º to 35º. Overload protection for the auxiliary flaps is provided by a blowback feature. Since airloads on the auxiliary flaps are low, they may only blow back partially and wing sweep may be restricted to 22º. At the time of flap and slat automatic retraction, the auxiliary flap stays commanded to extend, tripping the flap system failure detection logic that illuminates the FLAP caution light. I've never seen the Aux Flaps down without the main flaps being down all the time I was in Tomcats. As for the pod, as stated above, it is the AN/ALQ-167(V)-? Pod, commonly called the "Bullwinkle Pod". hth GW Quote Link to post Share on other sites
757flyer Posted August 9, 2020 Author Share Posted August 9, 2020 Many thanks for the replies! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.