[Dead Dog]

If the F-111 is a fighter, then I am a Democrat.

...And McNamara is a freaking engineering and military genius.

[El Gato]

Strictly speaking, the F-14 wasn't designed as a "Fighter" either. It was designed as a fleet defense interceptor, a missile truck if you will, albeit with some (quite a good a bit of course) of "fighter" capability. And of course, like many a fighter/interceptor before it, ended it's life as a bomber/attack aircraft.

My F-111 pilot and bomb-nav buddies tell me that the late model -111s were pretty much a match for the -14A, in the merge. Of course the -14 could shoot them in the face from BVR, but if the ROEs didn't allow that, and were restricted to guns and sidewinders, well .... Or so they said. (Auto wing sweep telegraphed maneuvers, or so the pilot/Major said. )

Asbestos underwear on.