F-14 Tomcat
Summary
| Category | Combat Aircraft |
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Manufacturer | Grumman |
| First flight | 21 December 1970 |
| Year introduced | 1972 |
| Number produced | 712 units |
| Average unit price | $38 million |
Technical specifications
| Version: F-14A | |
|---|---|
| Crew | 1 pilot + 1 WSO |
| Operational range | 3,000 km (1,864 mi) |
| Maximum speed | 2485 km/h (1544 mph) |
| Wing area | 52.5 m² (565.0 sqft) |
| Wingspan | 19.6 m (64.1 ft) |
| Height | 4.9 m (16.0 ft) |
| Length | 19.1 m (62.7 ft) |
| Service ceiling | 17,069 m (56,001 ft) |
| Empty weight | 18,191 kg (40,104 lbs) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 33,724 kg (74,349 lbs) |
| Climb rate | 152.0 m/s (498.7 ft/s) |
| Powerplant | 2 x turbojets Pratt & Whitney TF30-P-412A delivering 11,204 kgf each |
| Ejection seat | Martin-Baker GRU-7A |
Current operating countries
| Country | Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Iran | 35 | |
All operators
3 recent events involving the F-14 Tomcat
| Date | Air Force | Aircraft | Active Δ | Ordered Δ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 Mar 2026 | 🇮🇷 Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force | F-14 | -8 | — |
| At least eight F-14s destroyed at Isfahan's 8th TFB in Israeli strikes; satellite imagery later confirmed Tomcat wrecks. Details → | ||||
| 21 Jun 2025 | 🇮🇷 Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force | F-14 | -3 | — |
| Three F-14A Tomcats destroyed at 8th TFB Isfahan by IAF precision strike; IDF released infrared targeting footage. Details → | ||||
| 16 Jun 2025 | 🇮🇷 Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force | F-14 | -2 | — |
| Two non-operational F-14A Tomcats destroyed on ground at Mehrabad International Airport in Tehran by Israeli strikes. Details → | ||||
Armament
Missiles payload:
- Air-to-Air Medium-Range AIM-7 Sparrow
- Air-to-Air Long-Range AIM-54 Phoenix
- Air-to-Air Short-Range Raytheon AIM-9 Sidewinder
Description
The Grumman F-14 Tomcat is a carrier-capable, supersonic, variable-sweep wing fighter developed for the United States Navy's Naval Fighter Experimental (VFX) program. The project was initiated following the cancellation of the General Dynamics-Grumman F-111B. Grumman was awarded the contract in January 1969, and the aircraft first flew on December 21, 1970. A total of 712 units were produced between 1969 and 1991 at Grumman's Calverton facility.
The aircraft features a tandem two-seat cockpit and twin-tail empennage. The variable-geometry wings sweep automatically between 20° and 68°, controlled by the Garrett AiResearch Central Air Data Computer (CADC) to optimize lift-to-drag ratios. A 75° "oversweep" setting is used for carrier deck storage. Approximately 25% of the structure is titanium, including the wing box and pivots. Initial F-14A models used Pratt & Whitney TF30-P-412A engines, while F-14B and D variants used General Electric F110-GE-400 turbofans. Avionics are centered on the Hughes AN/AWG-9 X-band radar, capable of tracking 24 targets and engaging six simultaneously. The F-14D utilizes the upgraded AN/APG-71 radar. Sensor equipment includes an infrared search and track (IRST) system and a Television Camera Set (TCS).
The F-14 carries an internal 20mm M61A1 Vulcan rotary cannon. It has 10 hardpoints with a capacity of 14,500 lb of ordnance and fuel tanks. Primary air-to-air munitions include the AIM-54 Phoenix, AIM-7 Sparrow, and AIM-9 Sidewinder. In the 1990s, the addition of the LANTIRN targeting pod enabled the use of Paveway laser-guided bombs and JDAM precision-guided munitions. The aircraft also serves as a reconnaissance platform using the Tactical Airborne Reconnaissance Pod System (TARPS).
The US Navy began F-14 deployments in 1974 aboard the USS Enterprise. US Navy Tomcats recorded air-to-air kills against Libyan Su-22s in 1981 and MiG-23s in 1989. During Operation Desert Storm, the F-14 provided fleet air defense and reconnaissance. It later conducted strike missions in Afghanistan and Iraq before its US Navy retirement on September 22, 2006. Iran was the sole export customer, receiving 79 F-14As starting in 1976. During the Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988), Iranian F-14s claimed at least 160 Iraqi aircraft downed, with 55 confirmed. During the 2026 Iran conflict, Israeli strikes on the 8th Tactical Fighter Base at Isfahan on March 7 destroyed at least eight F-14s on the ground, as confirmed by satellite imagery. The strike effectively ended the operational history of the Tomcat, the last type still in frontline military service from its generation of American carrier fighters.
- F-14A: The initial production interceptor and air superiority variant equipped with TF30 engines and the AN/AWG-9 radar.
- F-14B: An upgraded variant featuring General Electric F110-GE-400 engines, originally designated as the F-14A Plus.
- F-14D: The final production variant featuring F110 engines, digital avionics, a glass cockpit, and the AN/APG-71 radar.
- F-14AM: An Iranian overhaul of the F-14A featuring locally integrated radar and weapon system components.