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Random Griz Aviation Musings

I saw this and curiosity is getting the better of me so I'll ask the experts.

Since there are no flying F14s (friendly) and I would imagine nothing from a Grumman would go into a McDonnell plane why would the canopies be open like they are being cannibalised

BoneyardF14.jpg
 
TacticalTater said:
I saw this and curiosity is getting the better of me so I'll ask the experts.

Since there are no flying F14s (friendly) and I would imagine nothing from a Grumman would go into a McDonnell plane why would the canopies be open like they are being cannibalised

View attachment 44559
Click to expand...
"
In recent photos from the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG) at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, you may notice that the few remaining F-14 Tomcats have their canopies open or seemingly ajar. While this looks unusual for "mothballed" aircraft, it is part of a deliberate maintenance and disposal process.

1. Stripping and Parts Reclamation​

The primary reason you see open canopies is Type 2000 Storage (Parts Reclamation). Almost all F-14s at AMARG have been "gutted" to ensure that sensitive components and spare parts do not end up on the black market—specifically to prevent them from reaching Iran, the only other nation that still operates the Tomcat.

  • Cockpit Stripping: Maintenance crews must open the canopy to remove avionics, ejection seat charges, and flight instruments.
  • Sealant Removal: If an aircraft is being moved or prepared for final scrapping, the "Spraylat" (the white protective vinyl coating) is removed, and the canopy is opened to access the interior for one last inspection or part harvest.

2. Preparation for Scrapping​

The U.S. Navy ordered the total destruction of the F-14 fleet to prevent any possibility of parts smuggling. In recent years, the Tomcats at Davis-Monthan have reached the end of their "shelf life."

  • Final Inventory: Before an airframe is sent to the "shredder," technicians open the cockpit to ensure no hazardous materials (like explosive bolts for the canopy or ejection seats) remain.
  • Structural Demolition: In many recent photos, the canopies aren't just "open"—the hinges have been disconnected or the frames damaged as the aircraft is prepared for the reclamation of its high-value metals (like titanium).

3. Humidity and Pressure Regulation​

While most aircraft are sealed with Spraylat to keep them cool, if the seal is breached or the aircraft is being moved between storage types:

  • Heat Dissipation: In the 100°F+ Arizona heat, a sealed cockpit can act like a greenhouse, reaching temperatures that can melt plastics or damage remaining airframe components.
  • Pressure Equalization: If the aircraft's Environmental Control System (ECS) is being drained or serviced, the canopy may be left cracked to prevent pressure seals from fusing in the desert sun."
 
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