What is unique about the Navy F-14 Tomcat?
The variable-sweep wing and the twin almost upright tail fins of the F-14 Tomcat give the aircraft its distinctive appearance. The variable sweep wings are set at 20° for take-off, loitering and landing and automatically change to a maximum sweep of 68°, which reduces drag for high subsonic to supersonic speeds.
How did the F-14 Tomcat get its name?
The name “Tomcat” was partially chosen to pay tribute to Admiral Thomas Connolly, as the nickname “Tom’s Cat” had already been widely used within the program during development to reflect Connolly’s involvement, and now the moniker was adapted into an official name in line with the Grumman tradition of giving its …
Did the F-14 Tomcat have ailerons?
The tail control surfaces on F-14s are known as “rolling tails”, in that the aircraft does not have ailerons on the wings to control roll. NASA’s F-14 was first flown by NASA research pilots, but was later flown by Grumman, and by Navy test pilots from Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River .
Why did the F-14 have two pilots?
The primary reason any fighter aircraft would be designed for two crew members is work load. As avionics, sensors and weapon systems advance they become easier for a single pilot to operate, which is why far fewer fighter aircraft have two crew members now than in the past.
How many F-14 were shot down?
Western sources estimate four kills against four to five losses; the official Iranian estimate is 35–45 kills, and 12 losses, all reportedly due to engine failure during combat.
Are there any F-14s left?
Today Iran’s 40 or so surviving F-14s remain some of the best fighters in the Middle East. And since the U.S. Navy retired its last Tomcats in 2006, the ayatollah’s Tomcats are the only active Tomcats left in the world.
How many Tomcats are left?
Most of the aircraft were scrapped after the retirement of the Tomcat in 2006 because of the fear that parts could end up in Iran to keep their F-14 fleet airworthy. But some 140 survived and are still out there.
How big is the Grumman F-14 Tomcat?
The Grumman F-14 Tomcat weighs entirely about 43000 pounds. At that time it was not only the largest but also the heaviest US fighter jet to have flown from an aircraft carrier.
Why was the F-14 Tomcat called the Turkey?
While landing, the F-14 had a lot of parts that moved around like its flaps, rudders, brakes, spoilers and stabilizers earning it another nickname, Turkey, because of the “flapping” of all those parts when it landed F-14 Tomcat logo created by Dick Milligan. Signed by Milligan. Photo: Provided by Willian Barto.
Why was mineral oil used in the F-14 Tomcat?
Said friend was working with GM to test an experimental fluid developed by DOW and Grumman to solve a recurring issue with the F-14. Because British cars like Paul’s still used mineral oil in the brake system at that time, it was compatible with aircraft hydraulic fluid.
Is the Grumman Tomcat the same as the NATF?
The Super Tomcat 21 was a proposed lower cost alternative to the Navy Advanced Tactical Fighter (NATF). The Grumman design would have the same shape and body as the Tomcat, and an upgraded AN/APG-71 radar. New GE F110-129 engines were to provide a supercruise speed of Mach 1.3 and featured thrust vectoring nozzles.