Grumman F-14 Tomcat

Flown for the first time on December 21, 1970 in prototype form, the first of 478 F-14A aircraft were delivered to the US Navy in October 1972 for operation in September 1974. Despite it's age, the Tomcat is still one of the most potent interceptors in the world. Boasting up to six AIM-54C Phoenix AAMs, the F-14A is capable of destroying six separate targets at ranges in excess of 100 miles. A total of 79 of the type were exported to Iran.

After problems with the initial TF30 engine, Grumman produced a Tomcat powered by a pair of GE-400 turbofans. The aircraft became the prototype for the F-14A+, or later the production F-14B. Test flights began in July 1981 with the aircraft entering service in November 1987. A vastly improved model, the F-14D Super Tomcat of which 37 were built, first took to the air on February 9, 1980 and includes enhanced radar and cockpit, a dual IRST/TV undernose pod, and increased AAM capability.

Tomcats are now being equipped for night-attack bombing duty with the use of LANTIRN (Low Altitude Navigation and Targeting InfraRed for Night) pods. Placed on an external point beneath the right wing, the LANTIRN pod will allow the F-14 to drop laser-guided bombs under the cover of darkness.

Prime contractor: Grumman Aerospace
Nation of Origin: USA
Function: Multi-role fighter
Crew: 2
Year: 1970
In-service year: F-14A - 1974, F-14D - 1980

Engines: Two General Electric F110-GE-400 afterburning turbofans, 27,000 lb thrust each

Dimensions
Wing span: @ 20 degrees 19.56 m / 64 ft 2 in; @ 68 degrees 11.63 m / 38 ft 2 in
Length: 19.10 m / 62 ft 8 in
Height: 4.88 m / 16 ft
Weight: 41,780 lb empty / 74,348 lb max. take off
Ceiling: 56,000 ft
Speed: 2,500 km/h / 1,563 mph at ceiling
Range: 3,220 km / 2,013 miles

Armament: One 20mm M61A1 Vulcan six-barrel cannon with 675 rounds, plus up to four AIM-54C Phoenix AAMs, four AIM-7 Sparrow AAMs, four AIM-9 Sidewinder AAMs, cluster bombs, and two drop tanks