- Air Power Series
- Highly detailed realistic collectible model
- Diecast & plastic parts
- Display stand included with interchangeable landing gear.
- Measures 10.25” L x 10.75” Wingspan
- Box dimensions: 12.0” L x 12.0” L x 4.2” H
- Display model, recommended for hobbyists and collectors 14 years and above.
The Grumman F-14 Tomcat is an American supersonic, twin-engine, two-seat, twin-tail, variable-sweep wing fighter aircraft. It was the first such American jet fighter with twin tails. The Tomcat was developed for the United States Navy's Naval Fighter Experimental (VFX) program. The F-14 was the first of the American Teen Series fighters, which were designed incorporating air combat experience against MiG fighters during the Vietnam War. The name “Tomcat” is said to come from the call-sign used by Vice Admiral Thomas Connolly which conformed to the USN tradition of giving Grumman aircraft feline names.
The F-14 first flew on 21 December 1970 and made its first deployment in 1974 with the U.S. Navy aboard USS Enterprise (CVN-65), replacing the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II. The F-14 served as the U.S. Navy's primary maritime air superiority fighter, fleet defense interceptor, and tactical aerial reconnaissance platform into the 1990s. The Low Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared for Night (LANTIRN) pod system were added in the 1990s and the Tomcat began performing precision ground-attack missions.
In the 1980s, F-14s were used as land-based interceptors by the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force during the Iran–Iraq War, where they saw combat against Iraqi warplanes. Iranian F-14s reportedly shot down at least 160 Iraqi aircraft during the war, while only 12 to 16 Tomcats were lost; at least half of these losses were due to accidents.
The Tomcat was retired from the U.S. Navy's active fleet on 22 September 2006, having been replaced by the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. The F-14 remains in service with the Iranian Air Force, having been exported to Iran in 1976. F-14s operated by the IRIAF have recently seen use against ISIL in the Middle East and have been recorded escorting and accompanying Russian Air Force Tu-95 and Tu-160 strategic bombers on missions over Syria.
This highly detailed Hobby Master model is a replica of F-14B 163217 which was transferred to VF-103 “Jolly Rogers” in February 1999, but in April 2001 it moved to VF-102 until June 2003 when it returned to VF-103. In 2004 this aircraft was the first VF-103 F-14 to receive the new Sparrow Hawk HUD. In 2005 163217 was selected to have the special paint scheme celebrating 60 years of F-14s with VF-103 “Jolly Rogers”. On January 25, 2005 this aircraft was the last F-14 to leave Oceana with the destination of AMARC where it stayed until 2007 when it was scrapped.
As with most Hobby Master models this F-14B features engraved panel lines, antennas, surface details an opening canopy, a well-appointed cockpit, full weapons complement, optional-position landing gear, authentic pad printed squadron markings, and a display stand.
