The Grumman F-14 Tomcat was designed as a fleet air-defense interceptor to replace the F- 4 Phantom II fighter (phased out in 1986). It is the latest in a long line of Grumman "carrier cats" that date back to before World War II. Designed in the late 1960s, it was determined earlier on that the F-14 would be a "cat"; and since the man behind the project was Admiral Tom Connolly, then Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Air, the new airplane was instantly called Tom's Cat.

The F-14A was originally conceived to engage and destroy targets at extreme range. It remains the US Navy's standard carrier-based interceptor. The F-14 made its maiden flight on 21 December 1970. It has variable geometry wings that can change shape in flight to match altitude conditions and speed needs. The aircraft carries a crew of two, a pilot and a back-seater who operates the complex offensive radar and weapons systems.

The heart of the Tomcat's unmatched prowess is the combination of its Phoenix missile system and the powerful AWG-9 radar system. Its advanced avionics suite represents the most capable long-range interceptor radar in service, with the ability to detect, track and engage targets at ranges in excess of 160 km. America's aircraft carriers on duty in the Gulf can have no better protection than F-14 Tomcats armed with the unerringly accurate Phoenix missile system. There is no dispute that the Tomcats have become the Fleet Defenders.

Problems with the F-14A's TF-30 turbofan were a key factor in the development of re-engined and upgraded Tomcat variants. The F-14B emerged as an upgraded variant from the 14A, and was fitted with F101DFE engines. This engine was developed into the GE F110-GE-400 turbofan, and was later selected to power production improved Tomcat variants.

Two modified F-14As served as F-14D prototypes and the first D model to be built as such made its maiden flight on 9 February 1990. Improvements introduced by the F-14D include NACES (Naval Aircrew Common Ejection System) ejection seats, digital avionics with digital radar processing/displays, AN/ALR-67 radar warning receiver equipment and a dual undernose TCS/IRST sensor pod. The F-14B and D have significantly more thrust than the F-14A, thus redressing the earlier variant's power shortage.

In late 1995, the F-14A Tomcat acquired a secondary air-to-ground role. They become bombers and were dubbed "Bombcats". These new bombers carry only conventional "iron" bombs, and has no autonomous PGM (Precision Guided Munitions) capability.

The F-14 Tomcat is prominently featured in the Paramount Pictures Inc. production "Top Gun" starring Tom Cruise and Kelly McGillis. Another movie in which we can see the Tomcat in action is "Final Countdown".

Click on the sound speakers and listen to the theme song
from Top Gun.

The Hughes' AIM- 54C Phoenix missile was designed especially for use by the F-14. It remains the longest-ranged air-to-air missile in service today, with a range of over 160 km).

• Tomcat's Lair - The unofficial home of the Tomcat by James C Kao.

• Tomcat's Hangar - Everything you wanted to know about Tomcats.

• The F-14 Tomcat - Your one-stop source for info about the F-14.

• Tomcat Alley- A great source for info about the mighty Grumman cat.

• Black Knights of VF-154 - All about Squadron 154 based at NAF Atsugi, Japan.