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Arsenal/Fighter/F-14 Tomcat
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United States · Retired by U.S.; active with Iran

F-14 Tomcat

Fleet-defence / air-superiority fighter

An iconic carrier-based fleet-defence fighter combining variable-sweep wings with long-range radar and AIM-54 Phoenix interception capability.

Introduced1974
SpeedMach 2.34
RangeApprox. 930 km combat radius
Crew2
Platform profile

Technical overview

Manufacturer
Grumman
Primary role
Fleet-defence / air-superiority fighter
Dimensions
19.1 m length · 19.5 m maximum span
Operators
Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force; formerly United States Navy
Variants
F-14A · F-14B · F-14D
Operational status
Retired by U.S.; active with Iran
Complete platform dossier

F-14 Tomcat details

Identity

Full name
Grumman F-14 Tomcat
Type
Fleet-defence / air-superiority fighter
Generation
Fourth generation
Manufacturer
Grumman
Country of origin
United States
First flight
21 December 1970
Entered service
1974
Crew
2 — pilot and radar intercept officer

Primary roles

  • Fleet air defence
  • Long-range interception
  • Air superiority
  • Reconnaissance
  • Precision strike in later U.S. service

Variants

F-14A
Initial production variant
F-14B
Upgraded model powered by GE F110 engines
F-14D
Final U.S. variant with modernized radar and avionics

Performance

Maximum speed
Mach 2.34
Combat radius
Approximately 930 km
Service ceiling
53,000 ft (16,150 m)

Engine

  • 2 × Pratt & Whitney TF30 on the F-14A
  • 2 × General Electric F110 afterburning turbofans on F-14B/D

Stealth features

  • Not a low-observable design
  • Variable geometry optimizes performance across carrier approach, cruise and interception speeds

Avionics

  • AN/AWG-9 radar on the F-14A/B
  • AN/APG-71 radar on the F-14D
  • Television Camera Set and infrared sensors on selected aircraft

Armament

Internal gun
1 × 20 mm M61 Vulcan
Air-to-air missiles
AIM-54 Phoenix, AIM-7 Sparrow and AIM-9 Sidewinder
Air-to-ground weapons
Precision-guided bombs added to later U.S. Tomcats

Payload

Maximum external payload
Approximately 6.6 tonnes
Long-range loadout
Up to six AIM-54 Phoenix missiles, subject to operational constraints

Strengths

  • Distinctive variable-sweep wing design
  • Exceptional long-range interception capability for its era
  • Powerful radar and Phoenix missile combination
  • Strong carrier-based endurance

Limitations

  • Maintenance-intensive and expensive to operate
  • Large radar and infrared signature
  • Retired from U.S. Navy service in 2006

Operators and customers

Iran — current operatorUnited States Navy — former operator

Interesting facts

  1. The Tomcat became globally famous through the film “Top Gun.”
  2. It was designed to defend carrier groups against bombers and cruise missiles.
  3. Iran remains the only current operator.