Designed as the U.S. Navy's primary fighter, the F-14 Tomcat could perform air superiority, escort, and strike missions and was undoubtedly one of the most advanced and technologically advanced aircraft ever to serve on an aircraft carrier. The prototype of the machine was lifted into the air on December 21, 1970, and the first aircraft were delivered to the US Navy four years later. The last Tomcat aircraft were withdrawn from service only in 2006, which perfectly illustrates the high quality and excellent characteristics of this machine. The most innovative and characteristic solution for the F-14 is the wings with variable geometry. Controlled by computer or manually by the pilot, they can vary the angle of attack from 20 degrees at minimum speed to 60 degrees at supersonic speed. The variable wing geometry also ensures optimal wing positioning during tight maneuvering, allowing this powerful aircraft to demonstrate amazing maneuverability. The heart of the Tomcat's armament is the Hughes ANG-9 radar, which normally works with AIM-54A Phoenix air-to-air missiles with a range of up to 180 km. The ability to track and attack multiple targets is particularly important. An equally important element of armament, as the experience of combat operations in the Vietnam War showed, is the gun - the F-14, installed inside the M-61 Vulcan body, fires up to 6,000 rounds per minute! Of course, you can also attach other weapons to the Tomcat, such as Sparrows, Sidewinder missiles, or various bombs. The success of the F-14 is also largely due to an excellent power unit in the form of a pair of Pratt-Whitney TF30 engines with a thrust of 9300 daN with afterburner. Technical data: Maximum speed: 2480 km / h, rate of climb: 153 m / s, practical ceiling 17100 m, maximum range: 3200 km, armament: stationary - single, six-barreled 20-mm cannon M61-A1, suspended - up to 6580 kg of cargo.
