60795 - Tamiya - 1/72 Grumman F-14D Tomcat

From the 1970s until its retirement in 2006, the F-14 Tomcat was a fearsome carrier fighter with its powerful radar and long-range missiles. Originally designed for carrier air defense, in the 1990s it was also tabbed for ground attack work on account of its superior payload capacity and range. At the end of that decade Tomcats became capable of long-range surgical strikes with LANTIRN pod and laser-guided bombs. The F-14D inherited its F110-GE-400 engines from the F-14B, and was given a new digital radar system whose faster processing times and enhanced capability turned the Tomcat into a true multi-role fighter also capable of ground attack and reconnaissance missions. The F-14D was delivered to units from 1992 and was active in Afghanistan and Iraq; it was a vital cog in the Navy machine until it was retired in 2006.

This is a 1/72 scale plastic model assembly kit. Fuselage length: 265mm, wingspan: 272mm (with wings swept forward). The flowing Tomcat form is recreated with aplomb, featuring a moving depiction of the variable sweep wing. Air bags and sealing plates are separate parts, with different components included for different wing positions, which can be interchanged after completion. Slide molded canopy and air intake sides give an authentic rendering of the complex shapes. Poly caps enable horizontal stabilizer motion. The model’s fuel probe and boarding ladder can be assembled stowed or deployed. Parts are included to recreate ordnance such as laser guided bombs, LANTIRN pod and air-to-air missiles. Comes with 2 seated figures and 5 U.S. Navy marking options.

Length: 265 mm. Image shows painted and assembled kit.