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
Engine: Two General Electric F110-GE-400 afterburning turbofans, 27,000 lb thrust each
Dimensions
Wing span:
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
Here is some Tomcat technical data. To jump straight to a subject you're interested in, click the title. To come back here, press "Back to the top". Of course, good old scrolling is also possible. All the data seen below is available on a text-only ASCII file, to make printing, and for some, viewing, a little easier.
Manufacturer: | |
 Grumman Aerospace Company |  |
Type of aircraft: |
| Supersonic, two-seat, variable geometry, carrier or land-based multirole fighter |
Propulsion: |
| Two Pratt & Whitney TF30-P-414A afterburning turbofans (F-14A) rated at 11, 700 lbs dry and 18, 900 lbs in afterburner |
| Two General Electric F110-GE-400 afterburning turbofans (F-14B and F-14D) rated at 16, 088 lbs dry and 27, 000 lbs in afterburner |
Performance (F110 engines): |
| Maximum Mach number: 1.88 |
| Cruise Mach number: 0.72 |
| Carrier approach speed: 125 kts |
| Maximum range: 1600 nm |
| Service ceiling: 53,000+ ft. |
| Field takeoff distance: 2500 ft. |
| Field landing distance: 2400 ft. |
Weights: |
| Empty: 41, 780 lbs. |
| Internal fuel: 16, 200 lbs. |
| External fuel: 3, 800 lbs. |
| Maximum external weapons load: 14, 500 lbs. |
| Maximum takeoff: 74, 349 lbs. |
Dimensions: |
| Wingspan (unswept): 64 ft., 1.5 in. |
| Wingspan (swept): 38 ft., 2.5 in. |
| Wingspan (overswept): 33 ft., 3.5 in. |
| Wing aspect ratio: 7.28 |
| Length: 62 ft., 8 in. |
| Height: 16 ft. |
| Reference wing area: 565 sq ft. |
Armament: | |
| One General Electric M61A-1 Vulcan 20mm cannon | |
| Air-to-air missiles (up to): |
Air-to-ground weapons:
|
Remember, for very complete info, visit the Tomcat at the US Navy HomePage.
NOTE: All the data stated above and contained in the ASCII file has been taken from "Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1994".
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