Originally Posted by
sailingfun
A F14 could not possibly intercept a Concorde flying at mach 2. It could get in a firing solution but it would never be able to join up.
In addition the distance from the mainland to where the Concorde was running at supersonic speeds would preclude any type of intercept without extensive air refueling assets for the F14.
Supersonic intercepts are very difficult to run to a firing solution and impossible to actually catch and join up with a aircraft at mach 2 plus. Not enough fuel, distance, airspace and time.
Anything could get into a firing solution, especially carrying an AIM-54 - - JUST GET OUT IN FRONT POINTING AT IT!
Of course intercept doesn't nescessarily mean join up in formation - that is just one type of intercept.
Yes - BB seemed to be talking about testing F-14s coming off the production line - but *intercepting* anything didn't require launching from the mainland for the mighty Turkey.
Not sure what you meant about supersonic intercepts being very difficult to run to a firing solution. In what way?