High Gallery
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U. S.
Military Aircraft Grumman f-14D TOMCAT Photo by Coil B. Thouanel |
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Though generally satisfied with the f-14A, the US Navy was also aware that the long term the type's capabilities were be degraded by the analog electronic and Pratt & Whitney TF30 turbofans inherited from the abortive F-111B. In July 1984, Grumman was ordered to develop a more modern version of the Tomcat with digital electronics and the faster reacting, more powerful, and more reliable General Electric F110 turbofan. The first of 38 F-14A plus interim aircraft, with the F110 power plant was delivered in November 1987, and the first digital F-14D followed in February 1990. It has now been decided to build only 37 F-14Ds, while more than 400 f-14As are to be converted as F-14d(R)s, initially with the F110 power plant and then with digital electronic based on the APG-71 radar, an infrared search and track sensor, upgraded defensive electronic, Martin Baker NACES ejector seats, and AIm-54C Phoenix and AIM-120A AMRAAM air to air missiles. |
TECHNICAL DATA
| Description | Specifications |
| Manufacturer: Grumman | Length: 38 ft. 2.5 in. |
| First Flight: | Height: 16 ft. 0 in. |
| Model: D | Wing Span: 64 ft. 1.5 in. |
| Crew: Two | Wing Area: 565.0 sq. ft. |
| Nickname: Tomcat | Empty Weight: 40,100 lb. |
| Basic Role: Carrierborne air superiority fighter. | Max. Weight: 74,349 lb. |
| Other Versions: F-14A Plus interim model. F-14D limited production definitive model. F-14D(R) upgraded F-14A. | Armament: One 20-mm multi barrel cannon, and up to 14,500 lb of disposable stores. |
| Principal User: USA |
Propulsion |
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Performance |
Power Plant: General Electric F110-GE-500 turbofans. |
| Range: 2,000 + miles. | Horsepower: 23,100-lb reheated thrust. |
| Max. Speed: 1,564 mph. or mach 2.37 at 36,000 ft. | No. Of Engines: Two |
| Ceiling: 56,000 ft. | |
| Climb Rate: 30,000 ft. per minute. |