There were ever only two operators of the F-14 – the United States and Iran. The aircraft again received upgrades including better avionics and a new radar to stay competitive with newer jets. The final variant was the F-14D known as the Super Tomcat.
#F14d cockpit upgrade#
At first, the upgrade was simply called F-14A+, and later it was renamed F-14B. The original engines have been replaced and a radar warning receiver has been added. Later in 1987, the Tomcat received major upgrades. The initial and most numerous version was the F-14A. Over the years, several variants of the aircraft have been produced and the total number built reached 712. After more than thirty years in service, the tomcat was retired in 2006 and its roles were taken over by the Hornets. Four years later, the Tomcat entered the service. The first flight of the aircraft took place in 1970. Scott Timmester, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons During its career in the NAVY, it was used as an interceptor, air superiority, and multirole fighter. Just like the F-111, the Tomcat was designed with variable-sweep wings. The F-14 Tomcat is a supersonic, twin-engine, two-seat fighter developed specifically for US NAVY needs. Though I have to admit, I personally prefer the raw mean look of the F-14 predecessor – the F-4 Phantom II.
It’s often claimed the Tomcat, together with the Soviet SU-27 Flanker, are the most beautiful aircraft ever produced. And partly because of its stunning design. Partly because of its role in Holywood’s blockbuster called Top Gun. The F-14 is possibly the best-known US jet aircraft ever made. All of them trying to beat each other to deliver the best Tomcat kit. During the last decade, we have seen a stunning number of new kits by numerous manufacturers. The Grumman F-14 Tomcat is one of the most popular subjects aircraft modelers build.
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