MILPOWER Mini: F-14 Tomcat
Channel: MILPOWER
Date: 2023-04-03

CHAPTERS:
0:00 Intro
0:10 F-14 Tomcat
0:37 Origins
1:24 Lessons
2:03 Engines
2:45 Armament 
3:19 Avionics
3:33 Aircrew
3:46 Wings
4:21 Top Gun
4:54 Demise
5:14 Icon

Songs
Intro:
New Beginnings by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sb0KmujRVCo

Background:
Sleep Demon by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3KeUisinLc

Advancements during the Cold War in Soviet long range patrol and bomber aircraft dictated a requirement for a fleet defense fighter that could engage high-altitude bombers from well beyond visual range. The iconic F-14 Tomcat was Grumman's answer. Equipped with long range AIM-54 Phoenix air-to-air missiles, F-14s could engage multiple hostiles over 90 miles away. Needing an interceptor's high speed while carrying this heavy ordnance, Grumman produced the highly effective variable sweep wing of the F-14, enabling it to operate at a wide range of airspeeds.

Following Grumman's tradition of naming its aircraft after cats, the new "Tomcat" made its first flight in December 1970. After a number of changes following flight testing, the first F-14As were delivered to the Navy in June 1972, with Fighter Squadron (VF) 124 designated to provide crew training. On the West Coast, VF-1 and VF-2 were the first operational squadrons to receive the new aircraft, while on the East Coast VF-14 and VF-32 became the first Atlantic fleet Tomcat squadrons.

In 1986, what is likely the most iconic military aviation movie of all time released, Top Gun. Though Tom Cruise had the leading role, the F-14 Tomcat was the true star of the film.

The F-14 saw its first combat in August 1981, downing two Libyan Su-22 fighters over the Gulf of Sidra. It saw considerable duty in the Gulf War, Iraq and Afghanistan. The last F-14 retired from active service with VF-213 in 2006.

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And As Always, Be Safe, Have Fun & Always Be Awesome!!

-iAmplitude 
The Oncoming Storm