The F-14 Fighter Plane was known for its sleek design, powerful engine. This fighter plane was used by the US Navy Force over three decades. Whether anybody has seen this plane in real life or in Hollywood movies like Top Gun, the F014 holds a special place in aviation history. This plane was developed during the 1970s by Grumman Aerospace Corporation. It’s a fighter plane with air superiority, fleet defense and tactical aerial reconnaissance.
F-14 Fighter Plane
The F-14 Fighter Plane was a two engine and two seater jet. It was mainly used by U.S. Navy from 1974 to Sept 2006. The tomcat could reach speeds of over 2 Mach and cover around 1800 miles. One of its impressive features was the variable sweep wings which means the wings could extend or sweep back as per the speed. After the failure of the F111B, the F-14 Program was initiated and Grumman design was selected. The first testing was done on 21st December 1970 and the first deployer was delivered in 1974. Due to its high maintenance expenses this jet was replaced and retired early from 2010 to 2006. Now this jet was replaced by Boeing F, F Super Hornet and A-18E.
Gruamman F-14 Tomcat – Overview
| Post Title | F-14 Fighter Plane |
| Full Name | Grumman F-14 Tomcat |
| Role | Navy Fighter Jet, Tactical aerial Reconnaissance, Fleet Defense Interceptor |
| Manufacturer | Grumman Aerospace Corporation |
| First Tester | 21st December 1970 |
| First Deloyer | 1974 |
| Serve Until | 22nd September 2006 |
| Original Retirement Year | 2010 |
| Crew | 2 (Pilot, Radar Intercept Officer) |
| Thrust | 27,000 Pounds |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 74,350 Pounds / 33,725 Kg |
| Gross Weight | 61,000 Pounds / 27,669 Kg |
| Empty Weight | 43,735 Pounds / 19,828 Kg |
| Payload | 14,500 Pounds |
| Fuel Capacity | 9000 Litres in 5 Internal Fuel Tanks |
| Range | 1,800 Miles / 1,600 nautical miles, 3,000 Km |
| Speed | 2.34 Mach / 1,544 Miles Per Hour |
| Price | $38 Million |
| Replaced By | Boeing F / F Super Hornet / A-18E |
| Service Period | 1974 – 22nd September 2006 |
Guramman F-14 Price
When the F-14 was firstly introduced, its unit cost was around $38 million which was quite expensive during the 1970s and 1980s. This high cost was due to advanced radar system, twin engines. The maintenance needs 40 to 60 manhours which is quite very large. Due to this high maintenance expenses limitation, this jet was retired early on 22nd September 2006 and this was now replaced by Boeing F, F Super Hornet and A-18E.
F-14 Tomcat Range
The F-14 Tomcat had an impressive combat range of 1,800 miles or 1,600 nautical miles which is about 3,000 Kilometers. This means it could travel long distances.
F-14 Fighter Plane Payload
The F-14 Fighter plane could carry a total payload of 14,500 Pounds which included a mix of bombs, missiles. Commonly it includes AIM-54 Phoenix missiles. The heavy payload allowed the Tomcat to take both air to air and air to ground roles.
Grumman F-14 Fighter Jet Features
Variable Sweep Wings: The wings move as per the speed which means they spread out for landing and takeoff and swept back when flying at high speed.
Twin Engines: The 2 powerful engines gave it speed around 1,544 miles per hour.
Two Person Crew: A pilot flies the plane and the RIO manges the targeting and tracking systems.
Advanced Radar: Its radar could track 24 targets at once and can attack 6 simultaneously.
Advance Weapon Control System: This system lets the RIO control the target, lock it and launch the weapons with ease as it automatically detects the enemy aircraft, automatically selects the missile.
High Payload Capacity: It could carry up to 14,500 pounds of bombs, missiles including AIM-54 Phoenix.
Long Range & Fuel Efficiency: With a range of 1,800 miles and 5 internal fuel tanks totalling 9,000 liters, F-14 could stay in the air longer and can travel far.
FAQ Related To F-14 Fighter Plane
What is the full name of the F-14 Fighter Plane?
The full name of the F-14 Fighter Plane is Grumman F-14 Tomcat.
Who made the F-14 Fighter Plane?
The F-14 Fighter Plane was developed by Grumman Aerospace Corporation.
What kind of weapons did the Grumman F-14 carry?
Grumman F-14 carries bombs, missiles including AIM-54 Phoenix.
When did the F-14 Tomcat retire?
The F-14 Fighter Jet was retired on 22nd Sept 2006 from the US Navy.
Which jet replaced the F-14 Tomcat?
The F-14 Tomcat was replaced by Boeing F, F Super Hornet and A-18E.
What’s the official retirement date of the F-14 Tomcat?
The F-14 Tomcat was planned to retire in 2010 but officially it retired soon on 22nd September 2006.
Why did the F-14 Fighter Jet retire early?
Due to high maintenance expenses and high manhours, the F-14 Fighter Jet retired early.
