the author spends a lot of good time defending his point, which is well made. He speaks of the area AND radius of influence. (dropping by 23%) What he doesn't appear to talk about as well is the loss of the Phoenix AAM along with the Tomcat. The "Slammer" is a fine missile, but it doesn't have the range or punch of a Phoenix. Also, I understand a modern vectored thrust aircraft can defeat any Slammer the pilot sees in time. Not so with the Phoenix.
Emotionally, I love the Tomcat, and it is definitely the 'baddest' looking aircraft when viewed nose on and loaded out. If the Buf can fly for 50 years, fo can the Tomcat.
Also, I understand a modern vectored thrust aircraft can defeat any Slammer the pilot sees in time. Not so with the Phoenix.Two points: first, the Slammer is MUCH harder to see than the Phoenix is. Second, if the pilot is good enough to beat the Slammer, he WILL beat the Phoenix: it's not a dogfight missile, it was designed to splash large bombers. It's not especially maneuverable.