F-14D Tomcat

Description: The F-14 Tomcat is a supersonic, twin-engine, variable sweep wing, two-place strike fighter manufactured by Grumman Aircraft Corporation. The multiple tasks of navigation, target acquisition, electronic counter measures (ECM), and weapons employment are divided between the pilot and the radar intercept officer (RIO). Primary missions include precision strike against ground targets, air superiority, and fleet air defense.

Features: As a Strike Fighter, the Tomcat is capable of deploying an assortment of air-to-ground ordnance (MK-80 series GP bombs, LGBs and JDAM) in various configurations, while simultaneously carrying the AIM-7, AIM-9 and AIM-54 air-to-air missiles. 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 and for battle damage assessment. With its Fast Tactical Imagery (FTI) system the F-14 can transmit and receive targeting/reconnaissance imagery in-flight to provide time sensitive strike capability. A number of F-14s also carry the Tactical Air Reconnaissance Pod System (TARPS) providing in-theater tactical reconnaissance.

Background: The F-14 has completed its decommissioning from the U.S. Navy. It was slated to remain in service through at least 2008, but all F-14A and F-14B airframes have already been retired, and the last two squadrons, the VF-31 Tomcatters and the VF-213 Black Lions, both flying the "D" models, arrived for their last fly-in at Naval Air Station Oceana on March 10, 2006. The F-14 Tomcat was officially retired on September 22, 2006 at Naval Air Station Oceana.

050418-N-5431H-002 jpg Virginia Beach, Va. (April 18, 2005) – An F-14D Tomcat, assigned to the “Grim Reapers” of Fighter Squadron One Zero One (VF-101), takes off on an acceptance flight from Naval Air Station Oceana, Va. The F-14D Tomcat,

recently transferred from Fighter Squadron Three One (VF-31), is painted in retro 1970’s-era markings and will be the last Tomcat that VF-101 will possess till disestablishment in September 2005. VF-101 is the U.S. Navy's sole Fleet Replacement Squadron for the F-14 Tomcat, training aircrew and maintenance personnel for the fleet. The squadron trains pilots, radar intercept officers, and enlisted personnel in the operation and employment of the F-14 Tomcat fighter. U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Rico Harris (RELEASED) Download Full High Resolution Image All information on navy.mil is public domain and may be distributed or copied unless otherwise specified. Use of appropriate byline/photo/image credits is requested.

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