Designed as the US Navy's primary aircraft, the F-14 Tomcat could perform air superiority, air support and air strike missions and was undoubtedly one of the most sophisticated and technologically advanced aircraft ever to serve a carrier. The prototype aircraft was launched on December 21, 1970, and the first aircraft were delivered to the US Navy four years later. The remaining Tomcat aircraft were taken out of service only in 2006, which wonderfully illustrates the high quality and amazing characteristics of this machine. The most innovative and distinctive solution for the F-14 is the variable geometry wings. Controlled by a computer or manually by the pilot, they can change the angle of attack from 20 degrees at minimum speed to 60 degrees at supersonic speed. The variable geometry of the wings also ensures optimal wing placement during rapid maneuvering, which is why this powerful aircraft demonstrates amazing maneuverability. The core of the Tomcat's armament is the Hughes ANG-9 radar, which typically operates against AIM-54A Phoenix air-to-air missiles with a range of up to 180 km. The ability to track and attack multiple targets is especially important. No less important element of the weapon, as demonstrated by the combat experience in the Vietnam War, is the gun - the F-14, installed in the middle of the M-61 Vulcan body, fires up to 6000 shots per minute! Of course, you can also attach other types of weapons to the Tomcat, such as the Sparrow, Sidewinder missiles or various bombs. The F-14's success is also largely due to its excellent power unit, a pair of Pratt-Whitney TF30 engines with a thrust of 9,300 daN with afterburner. Technical data: Maximum speed: 2480 km/h, altitude gain speed: 153 m/s, practical range 17100 m, maximum range: 3200 km, armament: stationary - single, six-barrel 20-mm M61-A1 machine gun, suspended - up to 6580 kg of weight.
