description F-14 Tomcat Overview
The McDonnell Douglas F-14 Tomcat was a twin-engine, variable-geometry fighter aircraft primarily used by the United States Navy for carrier-based air defense and interception missions from 1974 until 2006.
help F-14 Tomcat FAQ
When did the US Navy officially retire the F-14 Tomcat?
The US Navy officially retired the F-14 Tomcat on September 22, 2006, replacing it entirely with the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. The last operational combat mission flown by an F-14 was in Iraq earlier that same year.
Was the F-14 Tomcat featured in the movie Top Gun?
Yes, the F-14 Tomcat was famously featured in the 1986 blockbuster Top Gun starring Tom Cruise, which cemented the jet's legendary status in pop culture. In the 2022 sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, the titular character flies a salvaged F-14 to evade enemy radar.
What was the primary long-range weapon system used by the F-14?
The F-14 was designed specifically to carry the AIM-54 Phoenix long-range air-to-air missile, capable of striking targets at distances exceeding 100 miles. It also utilized the AWG-9 radar system, which allowed it to track up to 24 targets simultaneously.
Are any F-14 Tomcats still flying today?
No, the United States deliberately destroyed almost all of its retired F-14 Tomcats in 2007 to prevent spare parts from reaching Iran. The Iranian Air Force was the only foreign operator of the F-14, and they reportedly still maintain a handful in flying condition.
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