F-14A Tomcat - Forward Looking Radar Test Set

[RW]

I picked this up for $20 at an estate sale a couple summers back. It was the last day of the sale and the old guy just wanted to give it to me. At the very least I was interested in the dust covered container still buried in the corner of the garage but also interested what was inside. After talking to the guy for a while I found out he helped design this instrument for the F-14A Tomcat in the late 80's I guess it was. He then goes inside and gives me the full schematic and directions that go along with it. Took it home and buried it in the corner of my garage until this weekend when I dug it out while organizing. As the cover of the binder says, it is a Forward Looking Radar Test Set, he said designed for the plane used in Top Gun. Said he could control the plane with it and that the government wanted more until he gave them a quote for a million dollars each. That was the about the time everything started going digital and he did not get the contract... So now I have this instrument with no idea if it is of any value or of any use for a Tomcat enthusiast or collector. Wasn't sure whether I should post here, Militaria, Garage Sale, or in the What is it subforums. I guess mainly I am interested in value before I either trash it or quit my job. Any input appreciated.

 

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[A2coins]

Holy moly now that is really cool I would think a collector would love to have that

 

[nomad 11]

have u tried to power it up ? just my guess it doesnt work ? i see some of the panel screws arent all the way in. so the panel has probably been removed for some reason ? the thing with electronics is they become obsolete so fast. but what do i know ? just my 2 penny's

 

[RW]

Screws are undone because I wanted to look inside and get a pic. Haven't considered powering it up but I do have several cables so I will look into it. The capacitors "look" good (no leaks). Could be a cold solder joint I guess but doesn't look too complicated... what do I know? HA!

 

[Mudflap]

Looks like it generates microwave signals with return delay pulses so you can check your radar on the aircraft. Firing it up won't do much. Some collector might like it. Of course if you plan to buy a F14 maybe you will want to keep it ...grin...

 

[BillA]

I know who pays really well, so do the feds.
but I think they have upgraded the radar, so might not be useful
not many collectors with F-14As

 

[Diggin' History]

I have a friend that used to work on the F-14A and many others. I will call him now.

I'll get back to you shortly.

 

[RW]

Thanks Diggin' History. I will hold off listing on the bay for a while.

 

[Diggin' History]

Thanks Diggin' History. I will hold off listing on the bay for a while.

You're welcome RW. Hope I can help you out - I left a voicemail so I should hear from in within the hour.
-DH-

 

[Diggin' History]

Just got off the phone with him. He said that the ship that he was stationed on only had four F-14's and they were always needed repair and that he had no knowledge of the device. He did say that it sounded like it was pre-FLIR, which it is, and that it would make a great collector's item and suggested you go ahead and list it on the "Bay".

I wouldn't begin to know how much you should ask but, you could list it for a million bucks and list it with OBO. :snicker;

Good luck with it and sorry I couldn't be of more help.
-DH-

 

[RW]

Thanks DH, it is a help. Well I guess to the bay it is then to see what happens... I had an old uranium detector that sat for sale for a couple years then one day, poof, "you have money". Will be interesting to see what kind of questions I receive. I was thinking $1,000 but I think I will try $10,000 just to see haha. At least it will be out there and not just collecting dust. Thanks

 

[Simon1]

I agree, put an initial high price on it just in case it turns out to be worth far more than you thought.
I had a set of Paul Revere spoons that I put on e-bay at a price high enough that if sold, I would not have any regrets. This also lead to people posting comments which also helped. You might also try some Aviation museums for information and potential buyers.

 

[Al D]

Not to discourage you, but radar test sets are common and you can’t control the airplane with one, however, if yours is rare, as the designer said it was, it should be worth something to a collector or aircraft museum. Good luck

 

[EQ8]

Any politician worth their salt would be on the phone with China to sell that.
Just one of the ways you get to be a millionaire in a few short years on a 140K salary.

 

[RW]

Any politician worth their salt would be on the phone with China to sell that.
Just one of the ways you get to be a millionaire in a few short years on a 140K salary.

I'm listening.. What's the phone number to China?

 

[EQ8]

I'm listening.. What's the phone number to China?

It's in the book.