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The Grumman F-14 Tomcat (the F-13 designation was skipped over by DoD) is a United States Navy supersonic, twin-engine, variable sweep wing, two-seat strike fighter. The Tomcat's primary missions are air superiority, fleet air defense, and precision strike against ground targets. The first F-14 flight was in 1970.
The sole foreign customer for the Tomcat was the Imperial Iranian Air Force (IIAF) during the reign of the Shah of Iran. A total of 80 aircraft were ordered, but only 79 were delivered, as the last unit was embargoed and turned over to the United States Navy. It has been rumoured that some of the surviving Iranian F-14's are reportedly still operational today, but a lack of spare parts is likely taking a toll on their combat readiness. Also, it should be noted that the amount of real flight time required to maintain any proficiency in the tactical operation of this aircraft is well beyond their ability to retain any real operational effectiveness.
| CREW | 2 |
| ENGINE | 2 x P+W TF-30-P-412A, 93.0kN |
| WEIGHTS |
| Take-off weight | 22700 kg | 50045 lb |
| DIMENSIONS |
| Wingspan | 10.0-19.8 m | 32 ft 10 in - 64 ft 12 in |
| Length | 18.9 m | 62 ft 0 in |
| Height | 4.9 m | 16 ft 1 in |
| PERFORMANCE |
| Max. speed | M2+ | M2+ |
| ARMAMENT | 1 x 20mm machine-guns, 14225kg of bombs or missiles |
| paul scott, psmiddx(@)yahoo.com, 19.10.2009 Although not quite the same, the technical and maintenace problems associated seem to run with BAC's (English Electric's) Lightning - fine interceptors, the world's best, but not without problems. That said, I love both the F-14 and the Lightning! | | Leo Rudnicki, leo_rudnicki(@)hotmail.com, 16.06.2009 I have not yet heard it mentioned that the Tomcat was possibly removed from service without an equivalent or better replacement because the pipeline for maintenance and repair parts could not be effectively sealed to prevent Iranian fingers from dabbling in the stockroom. Stranger still after all the time spent before they got it right (F-14-D) This also leaves the Phoenix without a firing platform. | | Nicholas Lange, langetrio(@)q.com, 03.01.2009 While I do not think people owe thanks to the tools we create, I would, and many others too, I think, would love to see a serious militarily based international platform challenge to vet the raptor and the Su-37. Old the tomcat may be; an expensive, maintenance intensive gas guzzler; sure. The question is, has anyone truly bettered it where it counts-in the air? Even at numbers of 4 to 1, our lesser experienced pilots(top guns get new stuff)have had real reason for confidence. | | Paul Snyder, psnyder351(@)aol.com, 02.06.2008 I have been associated with many different aircraft during my 44 year maintenance career.In my opinion the most intimidating bird is the F-14 TOMCAT.Even sitting on the ground it looks bad.I hated to see it go. | | Fred, f1sanders(@)sbcglobal.net, 13.01.2008 Sgt,
Big difference for the F-15 and F-16, is that they have totally different mission environments than the F-14. Carrier based planes like the F-14 have to hold up to the stress of carrier landings and corrosive sea water. | | Z-MANN, ZDUNK31(@)COMCAST.NET, 04.07.2007 UNFORTUNATLY THE F-14 WAS RETIRED BECAUSE OF THE EXTENSIVE MAINTAINCE IT REQUIRED AS IT AGED ( 40 HRS. FOR EACH HOUR OF FLIGHT ). SEE AIR & SPACE MAGAZINE F-14 TOM CAT FINAL FLIGHT. THIS FIGHTER HAD OVER 40 MILES OF WIRING RUNING THROUGH IT,AS IT AGED IT CAUSED MANY PROBLEMS, CRASHES, AND VERY UNFORTUNATELY LOSS OF LIFE. BUT IT WAS A GREAT PLANE NO QUESTION, THE F-14D WAS THE MOST IMPRESSIVE PLANE I EVER SEEN FLY. I WILL GREATLY MISS IT. | | sievert, sievert ceulemans(@)hotmail.com, 13.06.2007 ZET ER EENS DEFTIGE VLEIGTUIGEN OP! | | Sgt.KAR98, 11.01.2007 Youre right.
Is a pity.
And F-15,16 that haves the same age is still in service. | | jamie, tomuchmetal41kitty(@)yahoo.com, 09.01.2007 This is the most amazing aircraft ever made and it is sad that now they have taken her away. She did her job well and for that we should all thank her. |
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