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Unfortunately, the current Jester implementation is lacking in key areas, you'll need a human RIO in order to unlock its full potential.
Also, keep in mind that the tomcat is pretty different from the rest of fighters in DCS, it shouldn't be used in the same way.
Amraams, SD-10s and R-77s are agile enough to hit at close range, but phoenixes can't perform tight turns (also, they're rather easy to notch and have a tendency to lose lock if not supported).
On top of this, Jester won't be able to find/lock on targets within 20nm (happens quite often).
This means that most other fighters have an advantage over the tomcat when they get close (even more so if they're equipped with HMD).
Tomcat is great in gun only dogfights, but the moment you add HMDs and 9Xs/R-73s to the equation, its superior turn rate doesn't matter anymore.
All this is to say that the viper can do stuff (reliably) that the tomcat can't (or shouldn't) do, and vice versa.
For instance, unlike tomcats, vipers are great at sneaking at low altitude and engaging in missile fights at ~10nm (or closer).
They're also quite good in long range missile engagements at high altitude, but not as good as tomcats (with RIO, ideally), since that's their specialty.
Imho, tomcats have a very specific tactical role, scaring off bandits from long range, putting them on the defensive (and giving chase, if possible, without getting too close) or simply keeping them at bay, securing the airspace... but that's about it.
Vipers, on the other hand, won't make bandits flee in terror 😅, but they offer more tactical agility (sort of a "wild card"), they can get close and personal, do pretty decent A/G, etc.
- F-14 is mainly AA (its AG caps are really limited), while F-16C is/will be a great multi role plane.
- F-16 is already a (way) better IVR dogfighter.
- F-14 has a better BVR capability due to AIM-54 Phoenix.
- F-14 is carrier based, F-16 can only operate form ground.
- F-16 has better avionics and weapons (AIM-120C, Aim-9X, HMD).
- F-14 is complete, F-16 still in EA phase.
Choose the role you like more.
Personal consideration F-14 is the "value" module sice you get what you paid. F-16C is the "investment fo the Future" module.
Both modules are completely viable. Take the one that suits your playstyle the most. F-16 of course has an advantage due to the more modern systems and it's AG capabilities are better due to the modern arms and tgp. But you can also bomb targets with the F-14 easily.
I own both modules and would not want to decide between one of them. Take the one that you find more sexy yet and buy the other the next time! Can't go wrong with that!
The game comes with the Stennis carrier, which is all you need to launch/recover from a carrier (catapults, trap wires, etc.). The Super Carrier DLC adds more realistic radio calls when landing, animated flight deck crew to guide you onto the catapult and launch you, the PLAT cam, etc. It's not needed unless you want the extra immersion.
Edit: I'd go for the F14. I don't own the F16 because of the horrible launch and I'm waiting for it to get more attention before I pick it up. But get whatever you like better. :)
Yes, both need to own it.
And the F-14 has that interaction with the RIO seat to lock and other tasks, which might be annoying if you don´t play MP with somebody seating in that seat.
A2A is fantastic in the Viper and it's my go to for that, but holy good god is the A2G bugged to high hell. Maverick missiles frequently bug out and the HUD indicator is way off from the target, or will completely fail to manifest requiring you to cycle the stores to get it to reappear. Also, using the PRE mode rarely puts the maverick on what the TPOD is targeting, resulting in an inability to transfer the target to the mav (the seeker head will snap to a general area the TPOD is looking, but nowhere close enough for meaningful use). And the TPOD is... well the TPOD has an awful lot of issues. It was such a hit or miss if it would work or not that I eventually just ditched it for full loads of Mavs and unguided munitions. HUD indicator popping on or off (even occasionally freezing in place regardless of where the TPOD was aiming), slaving to waypoints that don't exist, becoming frozen on a fixed point regardless of what mode it was set to and how many times I pressed TDC undesignate, list goes on.
I don't regret the purchase at all thought. Bugs will be ironed out eventually, and it will be quite a beast once it gets the BRU-55/57 racks, along with the JSOWS and WCMD. Honestly might become the best all around module in the game once that happens (Until we finally get the F-15E we've been waiting for since it was announced in 2012).
In my opinion the only reason to go with the F-14 is for the idea of flying the legendary bird itself. The F-14 was a beast in its time and earned a fierce reputation, and its sexy as hell. But both the F-16 and F-18 bring more advanced systems and a more versatile load out than the F-14, apart from AIM-54 missiles (I don't really know how these compare to the AIM-120s though so I don't know what kind of advantage they give, if any.)
Oh and as of right now during the Autumn sale, the F-14 is $10 more expensive if you buy through the DCS store (not steam). Heatblur doesn't like to give discounts like ED and other third parties.