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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:

 

152939:AB KA-6B Prowler and 159013:AB F-14A Tomcat Mildenhall 1978

 

 

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?  

 

F-14A_VF-84_Three_Loadouts.jpg

 

Thanks!

 

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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

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