782983
Grumman F-14A Tomcat Block 95 160390, VF-41 " Black
Aces" AJ107 1981
On the 19th of August, 1981, two VF-41
aircraft, flying a combat air patrol over the Gulf of Sidra, were intercepted
then fired upon by two Libyan Su-22 Fitters. The F-14's were able to maneuver
into firing positions and downed both Fitters. This incident marked the
first time the F-14 had been used in air-to-air combat. 1981 was also the
first year in which the Black Aces won the COMNAVAIRLANT Battle "E", signifying
them as the most efficient squadron in the Atlantic Fleet. VF-41 was also
to collect this award in 1985 and 1989. Flying legendary Tomcat fighters,
the BLACK ACES Fighting Forty-One was awarded the 1999 RACM Clarence Wade
McCluskey Award for the Best Attack Squadron.
Although
a TARPS pod was delivered with the model as an accessory, this particular
aircraft was not TARPS capable.
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