3. The AWG-9 Radar and AIM-54 Phoenix Missile

Retired U.S. Navy Captain Ken “Wahoo” Ginader, a former F-14 RIO and TOPGUN instructor, reveals the F-14A Tomcat's unique radar and missile system capabilities, shares thrilling missile exercise stories, and touches on the 1980 Iran hostage rescue mission.

0:00 Intro
0:50 Guest Introduction
2:00 How you got into the F-14
14:10 Flying F-14 from the backseat
16:10 AWG-9 Radar Limitations
25:45 Flying Stories
59:10 JO Tours
1:01:20 Being a TOPGUN Instructor
1:09:00 Guest Outro
1:09:36 Outro

#fighterpilot Podcast

[oldgoat]

As an F-14A maintainer, (specifically a Tron Chaser with the IWT and also the AIMD VAST shops), in the 80s, this brings back so many awesome memories!
As much as she could sometimes be a pain in the neck to keep flying, it was also an absolute thrill to watch jets that I helped fix got shot off the pointy end. Nothing I've ever done professionally, (including becoming a pretty good hospital power plant engineer), has ever compared to, or come close to those days. It was my highest honor working with and for, some of the finest people I'll ever know.
I miss those days and my shipmates.

[roydegenstein]

From my understanding, and let it be known I am prior Foward Observer in the Army and Security Forces in the USAF. The WSOs of today know the basics of flight operations but are not pilots. In the USAF F-15E, they do fly the aircraft. But only in nontactical portions of the mission. As for the F-18 and the Navy, if correct, the WSO there also knows basics of flight operations, but they do not fly from the back seat unlike the USAF. The F-15E is set up to fly from the back seat with Stick, Throttle, and Rudder Pedals. Again, being a ground pounder, I could be wrong. But I think this is how it is today. But I also grew up in the days of the F-14 and is one of my favorite Aircraft, wonderful show and enjoy seeing them. Thank you so much for your time to put these out for us to enjoy.

[tomsanborn]

The operating system software that ran the AWG-9 was on what looked like a vhs tape. If it didn’t start running, you would open the panel, pull the box from the rack and give it few thumps on the side. After reinstalling it would almost always function properly. Did so much with so little back then. Amazing.

[danam]

In watching this video, one of many military related videos I have watched, I have realized how I am always so impressed by the mastery that military personnel of all types? have of their jobs. You guys always strike me as so intelligent when talking about your jobs and experiences which I believe many people in my world as a civilian often times don't seem to understand and give credit for, tend to just give credit for sacrifice, toughness and things along those lines. Men and women in uniform are so much more than those things. Thank you

[jaredsterenchock]

As soon as I heard him say that I trust my pilot implicitly, That he had no control but he trusted him. That's when I hit the like button because this content is amazing I love it. Awesome job

[DBenX]

Wahoo is such a likeable expert. His way of talking actually reminds me of "Shoes" a lot, he was in one of the other Tomcasts. Listening to these people makes it quite easy to understand what Tomcatters mean when they talk so very well about their community.

[Gotav-uqjr]

TOMCAT TUESDAY!!!! Can’t wait for episode 4, it’s in my top 5 favorite episodes.

[Reddimus]

Love these stories. I can listen to this for hours.

[elnach]

Yes! Back to talking about a Man’s jet, the Mighty Tomcat!

[wayneroyal]

So thrilled to watch these again, glad that the decision was made to rerelease the series…

[BrentLeVasseur]

What is the maximum range that an AIM54C Phoenix can theoretically engage and kill a target? (Not the rated range but the absolute max range.)

[francoisguillamot]

That episode passed at Mach 3.5 ! The shortest hour of my life, it was fascinating🤩

[hoghogwild]

For some reason I'm fascinated with the AIM-54C+ Active shot. That big missile going fully active right off the rail.

[CameronWilliams]

As a lifelong fan of the Tomcat, and now a DCS nerd, I freaking love this series on the F-14 and listening to the hosts and the guests talk about the jet. I really hate it was retired and almost all of the Tomcats were destroyed. But I'm aware it was designed in the 60's and built in the 70's. Just wish we could have gotten a newer fly by wire Tomcat

[johnferguson]

Great stuff, looking forward to the next episode!

[vrendus]

Fantastic interview, thanks so much. Dan

[Glashawk]

I commented on this after the original broadcast but a little known issue with the AWG-9 is it would interfere with Navy / Marine PARs. It would create a weird strobe and sometimes a hatch pattern on our scopes. You’d still have a workable target but for safety, it was common to say “Victory 200, turn off your radar (AWG-9).” The interference would immediately disappear. Never an issue with the newer APGs.

[CAG]

Did see it the 3rd time now and still get new cool info 💪🏼great 🙏🏼🇺🇲🤝🏼🇩🇪🎗

[tomsanborn]

I still have my bit-book for the AWG-9 from VF-101 IWT shop ‘88-‘90!

[bobh]

Gentlemen, thank you for sharing, cool stuff!