Summary The F-14 Tomcat's variable-sweep wings allow high-speed combat and slow-speed missions efficiently. Equipped with AIM-54 Phoenix missiles, the F-14 could engage from distances exceeding 90 miles. The CADC automatically controls the wing sweep based on mission requirements.
The Grumman F-14 Tomcat is a twin-engine supersonic variable-sweep wing fighter aircraft. The F-14 was designed and developed by Grumman in the late 1960s to have carrier-operation capability. The aircraft performed its first flight in December 1970 and entered service with the United States Navy in September 1974.
The aircraft was first deployed on the USS Enterprise (CVN-65). The Tomcat is known for its precise ground attack capabilities and air-to-air combat, thanks to the variable-sweep wings. This article focuses on the evolution of the very design element that made the F-14 Tomcat super successful.
The Grumman F-14 Tomcat Crew: 2 (pilot and radar intercept officer) Length: 62 ft 9 in (19.13 m) Wingspan: 64 ft 1.5 in (19.
545 m) Swept wingspan: 38 ft 2.5 in (11.646 m) swept Height: 16 ft (4.
9 m) Wing area: 565 sq. ft (52.5 m2) wings only The effective area, including fuselage: 1,008 sa.
ft (94 m2) Airfoil: Grumman (1.74)(35)(9.6)-(1.
1)(30)(1.1) root, Grumman (1.27)(30)(9.
0)-(1.1)(40)(1.1) tip The F-14 Tomcat was designed to be a long-range interceptor and an air superiority fighter.
The aircraft was designed to operate efficiently, both as high-speed combat missions and low-speed missions. Thank.