Grumman F-14A "Tomcat" "Miss Molly" – the US heavy carrier-based fighter

Designed as the primary fighter for the U.S. Navy, the F-14 “Tomcat” is capable of air superiority, escort, and strike missions and is arguably one of the most modern and technologically advanced aircraft, ever to serve on aircraft carriers. The prototype first flew on December 21, 1970, the first aircraft were delivered to the U.S. Navy four years later. The last “Tomcat” aircraft were produced in 2006, which perfectly illustrates the high quality and excellent characteristics of this machine. The most innovative and characteristic solution of the F-14 is the variable geometry wings. Controlled by a computer or manually by the pilot, they can change their angle of attack from 20 degrees at minimum speed to 60 degrees at supersonic speed. In addition, the variable geometry of the wings allows for optimal placement of the wings, when maneuvering in a limited space, which is why this powerful aircraft has amazing maneuverability. The heart of the “Tomcat” armament is the Hughes ANG-9 radar, which usually works to control the AIM-54A “Phoenix” air-to-air missiles, which have a range of up to 180 km. The ability to track and attack more, than one target, is of particular importance. No less important element of armament, as combat experience in the Vietnam War shows, is the cannon – the F-14 is mounted the M-61 “Vulcan” inside hull, firing up to 6000 rounds per minute! Of course, other types of weapons can be hung on the external suspension pylons of the “Tomcat” and other types of weapons, such as “Sparrow”, “Sidewinder” missiles or various bombs. The great success of the F-14 was due to its excellent engines – two “Pratt-Whitney” TF30, with a thrust of 9300 daN with the afterburner turned on. Maximum speed: 2480 km/h, climbing speed: 153 m/s, practical ceiling 17100 m, maximum flight range: 3200 km, armament: stationary - one, six-barreled 20mm M61-A1 cannon, suspended - up to 6580 kg of total mass.

A large, beautifully painted, well-designed and richly detailed complex model, intended for medium-experienced and experienced modelers. The cabin, chassis, its niches, visible engine parts, external details, hanging armament are perfectly reproduced, and a working mechanism for variable wing geometry is provided. There is no color stock, the text instruction in Polish is small, but it perfectly complements the solid graphic instruction.