AH Challenge: No Eagle

Is it even remotely possible that the Air Force adopts the F-14 instead of the F-15 as their standard fighter aircraft? (And I suppose the F/A-18 instead of the F-16 as their light fighter) I know that this is possible from a technical standpoint, with the IRIAF effectively employing the F-14 for some time, and that it was at least possible for the Air Force to adopt naval aircraft (with the F-4) but under the circumstances, how likely? And what POD could be used to get there?
 
As a tactical fighter, not likely, but there was AF interest in the F-14, as a Continental Air Defense Fighter-Interceptor. Two NORAD CINCs (one in 1977, and the other in 1979-80) formally recommended the AF adopt the F-14 for the NORAD mission. Grummann offered to modify the F-14 for the AF, with removal of the catapult bar from the nose gear, boom refueling instead of probe-and-drogue, enhanced IFF gear, etc. The AF took no action.

Still, here's a patch Grummann came up with to promote the ADC F-14s:

USAF Tomcat.jpg
 
And if you're wondering how the Tomcat would've looked like in USAF service...have a look at this one: I can't take credit for the artwork, though: that belongs to John "Maverick" Lacey over on the what-if modelers board. But it was done to a specific request, mainly what if the AF had adopted the F-14, and the ANG fighter-intercept squadrons got the Tomcat as an F-101/6 replacement in the early '80s? This one's from the 144th FIW, CA ANG at Fresno.

CA ANG F-14 2.jpg
 
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