wabpilot

Link 16 to begin with. The problem here is how do they get it. The Russians don't have anything like Link 16. Even if they did, it would not be backwards compatible with the AWG-9 and the communications system in the F-14. The F-14D had MIL Standard 1553 data bus, the F-14A did not, and I think the Iranian F-14As had a lot of systems crippled at the factory. First, the IRIAF would have to acquire some MIL Standard 1553 data buses and install them on their F-14As. Then they would have to design the interface between the 1553 and the AWG-9 or steal it from us. That is why the concern about spare parts sales, btw. Finally, they would have to get their hands on a Link 16. Not easy, perhaps impossible. Once they had the hardware on hand, they would have to put it all together. This is not like going down to your local Radio Shack and picking up a wireless router and setting up your own personal internet hotspot. The integration of the hardware would require a small army of engineers. A class of people the Iranians have been quite successful at running off.

Last, and most difficult would be developing a doctrine to use the system. The IRIAF has been separated from the mainstream of air warfare for 27 years. It would be highly difficult for them to develop a doctrine in a short time that is anywhere near as effective as that in use by the US.

That would require a lot of traitors. And a lot of money. Both in short supply when it comes to Iran.

That is a very different possibility. There are unconfirmed reports that the IRIAF has modified the F-14 to fire Soviet AAMs. However, if they were to try that route, then the F-14 as mini-AWACS is a dead issue. The Sovs simply did not think that way. Their centralized command and control was not ever going to pass that much authority to someone so far away from HQ. Thus, the Sovs had no systems to carry out such a scheme. If the IRIAF wanted to use the F-14 as some sort of big Russian missile carrier, they probably could do so. The existing equipment on board, if it still functions, is well suited to modification for Soviet weapons. The AWG-9 would be largely useless, other than as some kind of short range radar. But, that's what the Russians want anyway. So, mounting some Russian AAMs could be done. Now what do you have? A very tired very cobbled together Atol shooter. It's no match for the F-18C or F-16. Such a machine would be a lamb lead to slaughter against the F-18E/F, F-15C and F-22.

There is also an unconfirmed report of the IRIAF shooting down four Iraqi Mirages with a single AIM-54A. Neat trick. Given the rotten range of most radars fitted in Mirages, I can imagine an F-14 getting in position to fire an AIM-54C. I've done that lots of times against various Mirage operators. It just pissed off the RAAF when I did it. And it really embarrased the frogs. One time, I even locked up a frog Mirage III with my Phantom and stayed outside his radar range. I held lock so long that he started whining on the guard frequency. But, getting four Mirages with one AIM-54? They had to be flying straight and level and let the thing fly into their formation before it detonated. I have a hard time imagining that level of stupidity.