Last updated: November 12, 1999Description: The Grumman F-14 Tomcat is a supersonic, twin-engine, variable sweep wing, two-place strike fighter. The Tomcat's primary missions are air superiority, fleet air defense and precision strike against ground targets.
Features: The F-14 has visual and all-weather attack capability to
deliver Phoenix and Sparrow missiles as well as the M-61 gun and Sidewinder
missiles for close in air-to-air combat. The F-14 also has the LANTIRN targeting
system that allows delivery of various laser-guided bombs for precision strikes
in air-to-ground combat missions. The F-14, equipped with Tactical Air
Reconnaissance Pod System (TARPS) is the Navy's only manned tactical
reconnaissance platform.
Background: The F-14 entered the fleet in 1973, replacing the F-4 Phantom
II. The F-14B, introduced in November 1987, incorporated new General
Electric F-110 engines. In 1995, an upgrade program was initiated to incorporate
new digital avionics and weapon system improvements to strengthen its
multi-mission competitive edge. The F-14D, delivered in 1990, was a major
upgrade with F-110 engines, new APG-71 radar system, Airborne Self Protection
Jammer (ASPJ), Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS) and
Infrared Search and Track (IRST). Additionally, all F-14 variants were given
precision strike capability using the LANTIRN targeting system, night vision
compatibility, new defensive countermeasures systems and a new digital flight
control system.
Point of Contact:
Naval Air Systems Command
Public Affairs Department
47123 Buse Road, Unit IPT
Bldg. 2272, Suite 075
Patuxent River, MD 20670-5440
(301)757-1487