The F-14 Tomcat has a supersonic speed and the ability to carry long-range air-to-air missiles. It is a powerful fighter with excellent turning abilities and radar.
Grumman created the F-14 Tomcat in order to protect fleet battle group from Soviet bomber attack. The aircraft has eight hardpoints and can carry air-to-air ordrendrendrend CBU cluster bombs. A two-seater fighter, the F-14 is a supersonic aircraft that can reach a top speed of Mach 1.8. The F-14 can also serve as a reconnaissance aircraft. In fact, the F-14 has been used in several military operations, including Operation Desert Storm over Iraq and the Gulf War.
The F-14 is a sleek aircraft that delivers high performance. This is the reason the aircraft was chosen for defense against Soviet long range cruise missiles. It is therefore considered to be the world's best combat aircraft.
Despite its impressive capabilities the F-14 is still open to constant modifications. The AIM-54 Phoenix missile was intended to be carried by the F-14. The missile can be used to strike aircraft but is not effective against heat-seeking weapons. The pilot must avoid turning-fighting which can make the aircraft an easy target.
The F-14 Tomcat was heavily used by Iranian pilots during the Iran-Iraq War. Due to the ongoing hostage crisis, the United States decided to no longer send them to Iran. Nevertheless, Iran continues to operate a fleet of 79 aircraft, making it the only country in the world to have its own version of the aircraft.
In order to counter the threat from Soviet long-range missiles, the F-14 was made to be used by US Navy aircraft carrier. It is equipped with an advanced radar and missile system that can track 24 targets at once. Besides, it is capable of performing maneuvers such as turn-fighting and side-climbing.
The F-14's wing span is more than ten meters. It can reach Mach 1.6 at top speed. A powerful engine of 55,000 pounds thrust powers the F-14. The F-14 has the ability to carry CBU cluster Bombs (long-range air–to-ground ordrendrendrend) and long-range ordrendrendrend CBU bombs.
Despite its remarkable capabilities, F-14s have a very high maintenance cost. The F/A-18 Super Hornet took over the F-14. Despite being used in numerous military operations, the Tomcat was retired from active service.
Since 1976, the F-14 was sold to Iran by the United States. The United States has sold the country 79 aircraft. The aircraft were not supplied by the new country's government. That is why the remaining airframes were disposed of. Iran was finally no longer considered an ally of America. So it's difficult to find an F-14.
Moreover, there are certain factors that may lead to respiratory irritation. One of these factors is the chemical-based paint used on the F-14. Another factor is that the F-14's engines are extremely hot.