F14 Tomcat Production Dates

Introduction to the F14 Tomcat

The Grumman F-14 Tomcat is a supersonic, twin-engine, variable sweep wing fighter aircraft that was used by the United States Navy from 1974 to 2006. The Tomcat was designed to be a fleet defense interceptor, with the primary mission of protecting the fleet from airborne threats. The F-14 was known for its distinctive variable geometry wings, which allowed it to change the angle of its wings during flight to optimize its performance. In this article, we will explore the production dates of the F14 Tomcat and its variants.

Production History

The F-14 Tomcat was produced by Grumman Aerospace Corporation, which is now part of Northrop Grumman. The production of the F-14 began in 1969, and the first prototype made its maiden flight on December 21, 1970. The Tomcat entered service with the US Navy in 1974, and the production continued until 1992. During its production run, a total of 712 F-14s were built, including 79 F-14As, 432 F-14Bs, and 201 F-14Ds.

Variant Production Dates

The F-14 Tomcat was produced in several variants, each with its own production dates. Here are the production dates for each variant: * F-14A: 1969-1974 (79 built) * F-14B: 1987-1992 (432 built) * F-14D: 1988-1992 (201 built) * F-14A+: 1987-1989 (38 built) * F-14B(Upgrade): 1991-1993 (18 built) * F-14D(Upgrade): 1991-1993 (16 built)

Notable Upgrades and Modernization

During its service life, the F-14 Tomcat underwent several upgrades and modernization programs. Some notable upgrades include: * TF30 Engine Upgrade: The F-14A was initially powered by the Pratt & Whitney TF30 engine, which was later upgraded to the General Electric F110 engine in the F-14B and F-14D variants. * AN/APG-71 Radar Upgrade: The F-14D was equipped with the AN/APG-71 radar system, which provided improved air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities. * Digital Central Computer Upgrade: The F-14D was also equipped with a digital central computer, which improved the aircraft’s avionics and flight control systems.

Production Numbers and Costs

The production numbers and costs of the F-14 Tomcat are as follows:

Variant	Production Numbers	Unit Cost
F-14A	79	38 million</td> </tr> <tr> <td>F-14B</td> <td>432</td> <td>45 million
F-14D	201	$55 million

📝 Note: The unit costs listed above are approximate and based on 1992 dollars.

Service History and Retirement

The F-14 Tomcat served with the US Navy from 1974 to 2006, participating in several conflicts, including the Gulf War and the Iraq War. The Tomcat was retired from service in 2006, and the last F-14 flight took place on October 4, 2006. The F-14 was replaced by the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, which is still in service with the US Navy today.

The F-14 Tomcat’s production dates and variants are a testament to its long and distinguished service history. From its introduction in 1974 to its retirement in 2006, the Tomcat played a critical role in the US Navy’s fleet defense, and its legacy continues to inspire new generations of aircraft designers and pilots. As we look back on the F-14’s production history, it is clear that this iconic aircraft will always be remembered as a symbol of American military power and innovation. The impact of the F-14 Tomcat on the world of aviation and military history is undeniable, and its production dates will always be an important part of that story. With its impressive performance, advanced avionics, and distinctive design, the F-14 Tomcat will always be remembered as one of the most iconic fighter aircraft in history.