REAF Tomcat

Estovakia's fielding of the MiG-25 Foxbat in 1967 was a deciding factor in forming Emmeria's Advanced Interceptor Aircraft Programme (AIA). At the time, the mainline fighter of the REAF was the F-4C Phantom II. While it was indeed a capable performer, it could not match the raw capabilities of the new MiG design. Increasing reconnaissance flights by Estovakian Foxbats over Emmerian territory was of utmost concern. Even the impressive speed performance of the Phantom pales in comparison to the MiG-25's Mach 3 capability. When REAF Phantoms attempted intercept, their Communist counterparts simply accelerated away.

By February 1970, two airframes had been accepted by the AIA Programme. It was either the F-14 Naval Fleet Defense Fighter or the F-15 Eagle Air Superiority Fighter. Several examples of these fighters were vigorously evaluated by pilots in both air to air combat and interception. By 1971, a clear winner emerged, the F-14 Tomcat. The type was basically chosen due to its capability to carry the long range AIM-54 Phoenix missile. Other factors included the two seat configuration, it was more suited to intercept the Foxbat and enemy bomber fleets and the fact that it was being adopted by the Emmerian Navy as well. This would be the second consecutive time both services would flying the same aircraft, the first being the F-4.

Air Force Tomcats had the carrier equipment removed but retained all the other systems. The type entered active service in 1974. They were primarily assigned to several Fighter-Interceptor Squadrons for much of the Cold War. Seen here is an example flying with the Tridents FIS, circa 1979.