F-14A BOMBCAT

F-14A. Bombcat
■ F-14 Tomcat, the most outstanding fighter of the fleet of U.S. Navy

■ Outer features are faithfully depicted such as gun gas vent and antenna etc.

■ JDAM, GBU-24, LANTIRN adapter pylon and pod, missile launcher

■ Authentic decals to mark "Bombcat"

The failure of the F-111B to meet the requirements
set forth by Navy resulted in a new competition for a suitable carrier-based fighter.Variable-sweep wings weren't
part of the new specifications, but Grumman proposed still-new feature on their entry.

Because of their involvement with the earlier XF10F-1 Jaguar and the experience with unsuccessful

F-111B, Grumman had accumulated for experience with variable-sweep wings
than any of the competing companies. Thus, on January 15, 1969, Grumman's Model 303
was chosen to become the new F-14A air superiority fighter.

Six planes were to be built for the development program to be followed
by another six pre-production F-14A's, which was soon dubbed "Tomcat" in keeping
with Grumman's selection of feline names for their aircraft products.

The necessary ground tests were completed by December 21, 1970, and the
first Tomcat was ready for its maiden flight-fully a month ahead of schedule. Regrettably
this lead was lost with the crash and subsequent destruction of the prototype on the
second flight when the hydraulic system failed and the crew was forced to eject. The crew
safely abandoned the plane, however attesting to efficiency of the ejection system in the
new fighter.

A novel feature of the F-14 is the pair of retractable "Glove Vanes"
mounted on the leading edge of the glove housing the variable-sweep mechanism. These triangular
winglets extend forward to added stability as needed when the center of lift moves
aft during certain
maneuvers.

They are usually operated automatically by the onboard computer,
but can be moved manually by the pilot if required. The Tomcat is also unusual in
being the first production plane to the lightweight, but strong, composite boron-epoxy
in its construction. The horizontal stabilizer structure is made of this material.

The F-14A reflects the change of thinking regarding aerial armament.
The Tomcat's immediate predecessor was designed for missile armament only a gross error
as early combat reports indicated. The F-14A is equipped with an M61A-1 20mm rotary
cannon and 675 rounds of ammunition in the left nose.

Missile armament is also provided, most important of these being the six huge Phoenix AIM-54 which can be launched

simultaneously, each one tracking a different target at a range of nearly
100miles. All the hardpoints are mounted to the rigid portion of the glove and fuselage,
eliminating the need for swiveling pylons under the wings.

A pair of Pratt & Whitney TF-30 turbofans can provide an afterburning
thrust of 20,900lbs each, giving the Tomcat a speed of Mach 2.34, or over 1,500 mph. For carrier
stowage,  the pivoting wings can be overswept to reduce the span to only 33 feet 3.5 inches. Extended span is 64 feet 1.5 inches.