The Grumman F-14A Tomcat was a supersonic, twin-engine fighter jet with a variable-sweep wing design for the United States Navy. It took its first flight in December 1970 and entered service in 1974 to replace the ageing F-4 Phantom II and fulfil fleet air defence duties after the F-111B program was cancelled.
The F-14A incorporated a pioneering variable-geometry wing design, which enabled optimised performance across different speeds and altitudes. The F-14A could adjust its wings forward to optimise lift during takeoff and dogfighting situations and backwards to achieve high-speed flight performance. The original configuration of the F-14A with two Pratt & Whitney TF30 engines allowed it to reach speeds beyond Mach 2 but suffered from known reliability problems.
The Tomcat stood out for its sophisticated avionics package, which included the cutting-edge AWG-9 radar system and the AIM-54 Phoenix air-to-air missile capability. The F-14A could simultaneously engage targets beyond 100 miles through its advanced tracking capabilities, establishing it as a critical fleet defence fighter during the Cold War.
The F-14A served extensively in the U.S. Navy, intercepting Soviet aircraft during Cold War missions and engaging enemy forces during Middle East combat operations. It became internationally famous in 1986 when it appeared in Top Gun, which helped create its status as an iconic American aircraft.
The F-14A showed its capabilities as a platform even though it experienced initial engine problems. The upgraded F-14B and F-14D variants replaced the original model with enhanced engine performance and system improvements. The F-14 ended its service with the U.S. Navy in 2006 when the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet took its place, but it continues to stand as one of the most distinguished fighters from its period.
Special features
- Faithful replica of the F-14A Tomcat of the VF-1 Wolfpack Squadron from 1975
- Movable swivel sashes for variable display of characteristic sash positions
- Finely textured surface details and precise engravings
- Detailed cockpit with two pilot figures
- Authentic decals of Operation Frequent Wind
Scope of delivery
- High-quality plastic parts in grey injection moulded design
- Extensive decal sheet for the VF-1 Wolfpack version
- Detailed, illustrated building instructions in several languages
- Clear cabin sections for a realistic cockpit representation
