The Ultimate Cat The Tomcat was designed with "variable geometry" wings that extended straight out from the fuselage for takeoffs and landings, but swept back at a 68°-degree angle for high-speed flight. Originally a fighter/interceptor for Carrier Battle Group defense, the F-14A could simultaneously attack six targets at long range using its powerful radar and Phoenix six targets at long range using its powerful radar and Phoenix missile system. Beginning in the 1980s, much of the Tomcat fleet received new avionics and new engines that dramatically improved aircraft performance. The new F-14B and F-14D versions received enhanced air-to-air capabilities, along with the ability to locate and attack surface targets with precision weapons. The Tomcat's surface strike capability was used very effectively in Operation Enduring Freedom following the World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks of 9/11, 2001.

Our Display Aircraft Like all Tomcats, Bureau Number 161623 was manufactured as an F-14A. With the addition of mission system and engine upgrades, it was converted to the F-14D configuration. The "N" designation indicates it was permanently assigned to testing activities. PRNAM's was the last of four F-14D development/test aircraft to fly, the first of which flew in September of 1988. In its test career, our



Tomcat was used by the Grumman Aircraft Company and the Naval Air Test Center (later the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division) for various avionics (airborne electronic systems) tests.

· Primary Mission: Fighter/Attack
· Crew: One Pilot, one Radar Intercept Officer (RIO)
· U.S. Service Timeline (F-14 Series): 1972 - 2006
· Max. Gross Weight: 76,000 lb
· Dimensions: 628 length, 64.1 ft wing span (extended)
· Propulsion: Two General Electric GE F110-GE-400 turbofan engines
· Max. Operating Speed: 920 MPH (sea level); Mach 2.0 at altitude
· Armament: One M61A1 20mm cannon; up to 14,500 lb of air-to-air missiles and air-to-surface weapons

This aircraft is on loan from the National Naval Aviation Museum at Pensacola, Florida

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