The F-4 and the F-14

Abstract : This report compares the F-14 with its predecessor, the F-4, and draws lessons which would guide the Navy in its future air superiority and fleet air defense fighter design and procurement. The work was conducted under ONR contract No. N00014-72-C-0339, which called for the development of methods for the 'analysis of the effect of technological changes in the development process for major new weapon systems, utilizing the technology, cost, and time histories of the F-4 and F-14 aircraft programs as case studies.' Three such methodologies have been identified: historical analysis involving audits of the F-4 and F-14 programs; parametric or regression analysis relating historical fighter aircraft costs as a function of production year and performance factors; and a cost- performance extension of the classic Lanchester equation. As requested by the ONR Scientific Officer, work to date has focused on the historical analysis, the results of which -- augmented by the parametric and Lanchester analysis -- constitute the bulk of the report.