B737-800
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Other / Unknown
Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
On takeoff/rotation we received a Master Caution; FLT CONT on six pack; with the FEEL DIFF PRESS light on the overhead panel illuminated. The aircraft was 'mushy' in the pitch axis. I was pilot flying; and was very concern of over rotation and having a tail strike; the aircraft continued to be sluggish until we retracted the flaps and accelerated to 250 knots. As we climb; around 4000 ft MSL; we had a FMC/FMC on the FMC scratch pad and loss both LNAV and VNAV. We ran the QRHs and consulted the Part 1 for overweight landings. We also lost both flight directors and the autopilot. Once we were able to restore LNAV and VNAV and couple back to the autopilot; I made a radio call to Dispatch to ask for phone patch with Maintenance. During the phone patch we discussed the loss of systems; thunderstorms enroute to ZZZ1 and the option of diverting. Based upon this discussion with Dispatcher; Maintenance Control; the First Officer; I made the decision to divert back to ZZZ. We received clearance back to ZZZ; [advised ATC] for Flight Controls and the overweight landing. We had ARFF standing by and upon landing; ARFF check the aircraft for any abnormalities while on the taxiway. Once ARFF gave the all clear we taxied to the gate. AML entries were made for the FEEL DIFFF PRESS; FMC; and overweight landing. The FEEL DIFF PRESS was a repeat issue/write up in the AML. I can provide further insight to the safety board if necessary.
B737 Captain reported multiple equipment failures; ran the QRH checklists; and returned to the departure airport.