Photography Magazine

Grumman F-14D Super Tomcat

By Htam

2017_TAM_3384_D500.jpg@ Palmdale, CA

March 2017

Who doesn’t love a Tomcat?  A wonderful blend of aesthetics and aggressiveness, this was the first American jet fighter with twin tails.  Developed for the U.S. Navy after the collapse of the F-111B project, the Tomcat would be the first of the Teen Series fighters, designed incorporating Vietnam air combat experience.  First flown in 1970, the F-14 would serve the U.S. Navy proudly until 2006.  The Super Tomcat was the definitive version to fly, with more powerful engines, increased range and a glass cockpit among other extensive upgrades.  Of the 712 F-14s built, only 55 of these Super Tomcats would be built.  This example was part of VF-31 based at NAS Oceana and flown to Palmdale shortly after retirement, joining the Joe Davies Heritage Airpark collection in December 2006.


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