Grumman F-14 Tomcat
The Grumman F-14 Tomcat is an American supersonic, twin-engine fighter aircraft developed by the United States Navy.
A U.S. Navy F-14D flies a mission over the Persian Gulf region in 2005.

Grumman F-14 Tomcat Aircraft Overview

The Grumman F-14 Tomcat is a supersonic, twin-engine, two-seat fighter aircraft that was designed and built by Grumman Aerospace Corporation (now Northrop Grumman) in the 1970s. It was primarily used by the United States Navy 🔗 as a fleet defense interceptor and air superiority fighter.

The F-14 Tomcat was notable for its swing-wing design, which allowed it to adjust the sweep angle of its wings in flight depending on the desired speed and maneuverability. It was also equipped with advanced radar and weapons systems, including the AIM-54 Phoenix missile, which gave it the ability to engage multiple targets at long ranges.

The F-14 was introduced in the 1970s and saw extensive use during the Cold War, including in several conflicts such as the Gulf War 🔗 and the Iraq War. It was eventually retired from service in 2006, after more than three decades of service with the U.S. Navy. The F-14 Tomcat gained widespread recognition through its appearances in the 1986 movie “Top Gun,” starring Tom Cruise.

The F-14 During the Gulf War

The F-14 Tomcat played a critical role during the Gulf War (1990-1991) as part of the U.S. Navy’s air superiority and reconnaissance missions. Operated from aircraft carriers, the F-14 was primarily deployed to enforce air superiority using its advanced radar and long-range AIM-54 Phoenix missiles, ensuring control of the skies over the Persian Gulf.

Although air-to-air combat opportunities were limited, the F-14s were instrumental in patrolling no-fly zones and providing early warning and intercept capabilities. They also performed critical reconnaissance missions with their TARPS 🔗 (Tactical Airborne Reconnaissance Pod System), gathering intelligence on enemy movements and battlefield conditions.

The Tomcat’s adaptability and advanced avionics made it a valuable asset during the conflict, showcasing its capabilities in a modern combat environment, even as newer aircraft like the F/A-18 Hornet began to take on more roles.

Where to See an F-14 Tomcat Today

Museum of Flight, National Air & Space Museum, Wings over the Rockies, and more. See all on F-14 Tomcats on Display 🔗

Learn More About This Aircraft

How to Fly and Fight in the F-14 Tomcat - David Rockwell

This book takes readers into the heart of the action, capturing the experience of piloting and battling in a cutting-edge, multi-million-dollar interceptor. Set during a hypothetical mission in the near future, it immerses you in the cockpit of an F-14 as it faces off against enemy aircraft and ground targets, showcasing its unmatched firepower and advanced sensor technology.

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Grumman F-14 Tomcat Owners' Workshop Manual

The Tomcat was designed as part of the U.S. Navy’s Naval Fighter Experimental (VFX) program after the F-111B project was discontinued. The Grumman F-14 Tomcat Owners’ Workshop Manual provides a comprehensive guide to operating and maintaining this legendary aircraft, featuring firsthand accounts that offer unique insights into the experience of flying the Tomcat.

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Colors & Markings of the F-14 Tomcat

This book explores the fifteen active Pacific Fleet fighter squadrons and two Naval Reserve units that operated the F-14 Tomcat over its three-decade service life. Starting in 1972 with its introduction by VF-124 “Gunfighters,” the Tomcat earned its reputation as an exceptional fighter and fleet defense aircraft, eventually evolving into a highly capable strike platform.

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F-14 Tomcat in Detail & Scale

F-14 Tomcat in Detail & Scale is a comprehensive and richly illustrated book dedicated to one of the most iconic military aircraft of all time. Written by Haagen Klaus, co-author of F/A-18E/F Super Hornet in Detail & Scale, this book brings together a team of expert contributors to deliver the most detailed and accurate account of the F-14.

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Grumman F-14D Specifications

  • Crew: 2 (one pilot and one radar intercept officer)
  • Length: 62 ft 9 in (19.13 m)
  • Wingspan: 64 ft 1.5 in (19.545 m)
  • Swept wingspan: 38 ft 2.5 in (11.646 m) swept
  • Height: 16 ft (4.9 m)
  • Wing area: 565 sq ft (52.5 m2) wings only. 1,008 sq ft (94 m2) effective area including fuselage.
  • Airfoil: Grumman (1.74)(35)(9.6)-(1.1)(30)(1.1) root, Grumman (1.27)(30)(9.0)-(1.1)(40)(1.1) tip
  • Empty weight: 43,735 lb (19,838 kg). Gross weight: 61,000 lb (27,669 kg). Maximum takeoff weight: 74,350 lb (33,725 kg)
  • Fuel Capacity: 16,200 lb (7,348 kg) of internal fuel; plus 2 optional external tanks at 267 US gal (1,010 L) or 1,756 lb (797 kg) each
  • Powerplant: 2 × General Electric F110-GE-400 afterburning turbofans
    • Thrust: 16,333 lbf (72.65 kN) dry; 26,950 lbf (119.9 kN) with afterburner

Grumman F-14D Performance

  • Maximum speed: Mach 2.34 (1,544 mph, 2,485 km/h) at altitude
  • Range: 1,600 nmi (1,800 mi, 3,000 km)
  • Combat range: 500 nmi (580 mi, 930 km)
  • Service ceiling: 53,000 ft (16,000 m) plus
  • g limits: +7.5 g (+6.5 g operational limit)
  • Rate of climb: 45,000 ft/min (230 m/s) plus
  • Wing loading: 96 lb/sq ft (470 kg/m2)
    • 48 lb/sq ft (230 kg/m2) effective
  • Thrust/weight: 0.88 at gross weight (1.02 with loaded weight & 50% internal fuel)
  • Takeoff roll: 2,500 ft (760 m)
  • Landing roll: 2,400 ft (730 m)

Grumman F-14D Armament

  • Guns: 1× 20 mm (0.787 in) M61A1 Vulcan 6-barreled rotary cannon, with 675 rounds
  • Hardpoints: 10 total: 6× under-fuselage, 2× under nacelles and 2× on wing gloves with a capacity of 14,500 lb (6,600 kg) of ordnance and fuel tanks, with provisions to carry combinations of:
    • Rockets: 7x LAU-10 rocket pods (for a total of 28 rockets)
    • Missiles: AIM-54 Phoenix, AIM-7 Sparrow, AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles
    • Bombs:
      • JDAM precision-guided munition (PGMs)
      • Paveway series of laser-guided bombs
      • Mk 80 series of unguided iron bombs
      • Mk 20 Rockeye II cluster munition
    • Other:
      • Tactical Airborne Reconnaissance Pod System (TARPS)
      • LANTIRN Targeting System (LTS) pod (AN/AAQ-14)
      • 2× 267 US gal (1,010 l; 222 imp gal) drop tanks for extended range/loitering time

Grumman F-14 Tomcat Image Gallery

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Grumman Corporation was a major American aerospace and defense contractor best known for its innovative and iconic aircraft designs. Founded in 1930 by Leroy Grumman 🔗 and his partners, the company quickly established itself as a leader in aviation technology, particularly in military aviation. Grumman remains celebrated for its engineering excellence, from the battlefields of World War II to the surface of the Moon. 

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