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F-14A Tomcat, US Navy 'VFA-142'
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Scale 1:42 Length 18" Wingspan: swept
9.4"/ open 18.3" This model has variable wings
Photography by Action Asia Photo |
Failure of the General Dynamics F-111B to meet US Navy requirements for an advanced carrier-based air superiority fighter left a significant gap in the Navy's inventory. Following its cancellation of the F-111 in 1968, the Navy launched a new design contest in which the finalists were Grumman and McDonnell. Grumman was declared the winner with its proposed variable geometry, two-seat twin-engine aircraft. Designated the F-14, and eventually named Tomcat, procurement began in 1969 for 700 aircraft slated for completion in the early nineties. Deliveries to the Navy began in June 1972 with deployment of operational carrier squadrons in starting in 1974. The ability to sweep its wings aft 43 degrees from the horizontal - coupled with twin 21,000 lb thrust engines - enables the F-14 to achieve speeds in excess of twice the speed of sound. The degree of variable sweep is a function of aircraft speed and is computer controlled. As aircraft speed bleeds off for whatever reason (high-g's, landing), the computer automatically compensates by extending the wing for more lift to prevent a stall from occurring. F-14s made a brief appearance over Vietnam, flying protective patrols for helicopters effecting the final evacuation of US forces from Saigon but met no opposition from enemy fighters. It was in the Middle East that Tomcats were initiated into combat during encounters with Libyan fighters over the Gulf of Sidra in 1981 when several Sukhoi SU-22 fighters were shot down. In its interceptor roll, the F-14 proved invaluable during the Gulf War providing cover for airborne Navy and USAF support aircraft as well as blocking Iraqi aircraft from flying to safe-havens in Iran. The F-14 with its Phoenix air-to-air missile coupled with airborne early warning aircraft is able to simultaneously intercept, engage and destroy up to five incoming enemy aircraft out to distances in excess of five hundred miles from a carrier task force. The decision to decommission the F-14 is mostly due to the intensive maintenance required to keep the Tomcats operational. An F-14, on average, required nearly fifty maintenance hours for every flight hour, while it's replacement, the Super Hornet, requires only five to ten. The US Navy announced that the last F-14 mission was completed Feb. 8, 2006 when two Tomcats landed aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt after one had dropped a bomb in Iraq Crew:
Pilot and Radar Intercept Officer
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