PHOTO: that Iranian F-14 Tomcat wheels-up landing...

[Stratofreighter]

A picture has emerged on the Internet of an Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force F-14A after a forced landing.

http://key.aero/view_news.asp?ID=3527&t ... n=military

Tomcat down but not out

Gary Parsons - 14-Jul-2011

via Internet

July 14: A picture has emerged on the Internet of an Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force F-14A after a forced landing, rumoured to be a recent event.

A formation of five F-14A Tomcats seen over Tehran on April 18 (see this month’s issue of AirForces Monthly, page 30) emphasises that Iran is still managing to keep these aircraft in the air, despite total non-availability of spares from the US due to the arms embargo.

Iran prides itself on having thwarted US sanctions by becoming almost self-sufficient in producing its own spares for the US types remaining in its inventory.

The aircraft comprised one from the 81st Tactical Fighter Squadron (TFS), two from the 82nd TFS and one from the 83rd TFS.
The 81st and 83 rd TFS also sent one spare aircraft each to Tehran. All three units reside at the 8th TFB at Esfehan.

A number of Tomcats have recently been overhauled by the 8th Tactical Fighter Base (TFB) Tomcat Overhaul Centre at Esfahan, having been wired and the fire control system modified for compatibility with iron bombs.

The upgraded ‘Bombcats’ equip the 82nd TFS.

[Roel van Gestel]

Leaving politics aside, it's a big achievement that they still seem to operate the type, some 30 years after the start of the embargo. Google Earth shows 10 F-14's on the last image of 2009 at Isfahan. So they're still working with the Tomcat, although I have the impression (also based upon older views on GE) that it's just a handfull of airframes. I guess it's a statement, saying "here, we can live without the US", more than it's a true tactical advantage to still operate this 36 year old F-14.