F-14 Tomcat: History, Performance & Discussion

I think it just makes it easier to lock enemy missiles, which can be good or bad depending on the situation.

It was in the change logs.

Limits for maximum radial speed have been increased for the search and track modes of the aircraft radars. This change allows the locking on of high-velocity targets, such as air-to-air missiles.

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Splash 1! Confirmed Response!

I’ve gotten a confirmation for the MDR request. (It was on Wednesday but I couldn’t type in the forums due to lack of ingame activity, so I’m back now.) Getting a confirmation this quick is a great sign and not only means they aren’t doing anything else at the moment, but it also means they have an ID on the document and can find it with the information requested in my form. Very excited for what comes from this.

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Have you already read it and declassifying so you can use it on forums and bug reports, or are you trying to get it declassified so you can find new things about F-14?

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Both kinda. The F-14D’s manual is already available, and I’ve read it already, but it’s export restricted. So hopefully that will be settled. However, my main reason is to get information on its avionics (mainly the radar: AN/APG-71) and weapon systems, such as the AMRAAM and Aim-54C. I’m hoping ITAR doesn’t strike me down because of Iran though. Especially because nothing of importance to the Iranian government would be revealed.

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What is MDR? I’m new on this thread hehe

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mandatory declassification review

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Thank you, good sir. Take this like

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Major Update: Tomcat’s Prowl

The Final Cat Is Here — The F-14D Super Tomcat Enters War Thunder!

The Navy’s ultimate interceptor has arrived. With advanced sensors, unmatched missile loadouts, and iconic swing-wing charisma, the Super Tomcat roars into War Thunder to claim its place at Rank VIII.


F-14D Super Tomcat: Carrier-Based Interceptor for the United States at Rank VIII

At a glance:

  • AN/APG-71 radar with advanced TWS and look-down/shoot-down
  • Up to 10 AIM-120B AMRAAMs
  • Upgraded AIM-54C+ Phoenix with ECCM
  • Fully modeled RIO functions
  • IRST + TCS sensor fusion
  • Twin F110 engines and improved maneuverability with DFCS

Vehicle History: The Ultimate Tomcat

The F-14D “Super Tomcat” was the culmination of everything learned from the A and B variants. Modernized with digital avionics, vastly improved engines, and new weapons capabilities, the D-model extended the relevance of the Tomcat deep into the 21st century. Though its service was short-lived, it played a key role in post-Cold War U.S. Navy operations, retaining its place as one of the most capable air superiority fighters of its time.


Sensor Fusion: AN/APG-71 + TCS + IRST = Unrelenting Track Authority

At the heart of the F-14D lies the AN/APG-71, an MPRF pulse-Doppler radar derived from the legendary APG-70. It features full Track While Scan, look-down/shoot-down, and fast multi-target engagement support — perfect for slinging AMRAAMs or Phoenixes at long range.

What sets the Tomcat apart, though, is its sensor fusion. The radar integrates directly with the TCS (Television Camera Set) and a fully functioning IRST (Infrared Search & Track) system. Together, these systems allow the F-14D to visually identify and passively track targets without alerting enemy RWR systems. That means sneaky locks, severe avoidance of losing track, and undetectable surveillance — even while you’re hundreds of kilometers away.


Phoenix Reborn: The AIM-54C+ with ECCM

Say hello to the AIM-54C+ — the final and most lethal version of the Phoenix missile. In the F-14D, this long-range monster comes with major upgrades:

  • Improved dynamic guidance logic with digital signal processing (giving it Mach 5 capability)
  • ECCM (Electronic Counter-Countermeasures) for higher success rates against maneuvering or chaffing targets
  • Increased maneuverability to 25G and Directional Warhead for the highest hit chance
  • Faster mid-course updates from the APG-71 due to the RIO’s tinkering.
  • Adjustible terminal phase range to promote stealth or ensure tack at farther ranges

The AIM-54C+ gives the F-14D unmatched reach and first-shot/first-kill ability. With better retention of track against evading targets, this isn’t the old Phoenix — it’s something far scarier.


10 AMRAAMs. You Read That Right.

The F-14D isn’t just about Phoenixes — it brings full AIM-120A/B AMRAAM capability. Thanks to testing with 1B and 8B dual pylons, this jet can carry up to 10 advanced medium ranged air - air missiles at once.

Loadouts include:

  • 10x AIM-120B
  • 6x AIM-120B + 4x AIM-54C+
  • 6x AIM-54C+ + 2x AIM-9M + 4x AIM-120B
  • Freely create any combo to suit your playstyle

This makes the F-14D one of the most flexible and dangerous interceptors ever introduced to the game.


No HMD? No Problem — Full RIO Simulation

While the F-14D lacks a Helmet Mounted Display, it makes up for it with a simulated **Radar Intercept Officer (RIO) **. The second seat isn’t just dead weight— it’s functional. You’ll have full access to the rear seat interfaces, complete with Contextual Radar Optimizations, Automatic spotting of aircraft, missiles, and AA emplacements, automatic sensor/countermeasure management, and visualized manual radar slewwing that mimics HMD. This makes the F-14D one of the most threatening multi-crew aircraft in War Thunder history.

In simulator and cockpit view, you’ll be able to switch between pilot and RIO seats, giving you direct sight over targeting, TWS modes, and sensor tasking — just like the real thing.


Power to Match the Payload

Two F110-GE-400 engines give the F-14D vastly improved thrust over the F-14A Early variants, improving acceleration, top speed, and climb rate. The result? Better sustained energy in a fight and the power to quickly reposition between engagements.

The aircraft retains the swing-wing design, adjusting for ideal performance in any flight regime. Whether you’re intercepting at Mach 2 or turning inside a bandit at low altitude, the Super Tomcat adapts. Reduced drag at high altitudes and a new Digital Flight Control System allow you to fully encapsulate a shapeshifter.


image

Ready for Launch

Whether you’re hunting at long range or supporting a fleet strike group, the F-14D Super Tomcat delivers. It’s the ultimate American interceptor — fast, versatile, and packing one of the most devastating missile arsenals in the game.

Gear up, RIO online, and prepare for launch — the Super Tomcat is cleared to launch in Major Update: Tomcat’s Prowl!

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wr ong

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Finally found out digital EIG from irl F-14B

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F-14B Tomcat - Missing digital EIG display in cockpit @Gunjob

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They can’t even model the TF-30 correctly 💀
Obviously the shape of the turkey feathers is incorrect.



f14_detail_engine_01l

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Unfortunately, they don’t care about the F-14 (they probably hate it, to be honest). I thought it was because the new jets needed attention, but nope. The Mirage 2000 was getting stuff passed and fixed WITHIN the HOUR. But the bug report with literal video proof of the IRIAF having 6 missile hardpoints is still somehow pending almost 9 months later. Same with the Aim-54C not having (at a bare minimum) Mach 5 speeds, Smokeless motors, etc…

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F-14A Tomcat - Incorrect turkey feathers model

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@Gunjob Any update on that TCS bug report? Any plans for the TCS to function as it should?

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Well… I’ve tried guys. Hours of scouring interviews looking for capabilities about the F-14D (which I will share my findings after this) and I can’t really find anything new. My goal was to force Gaijin to buff the F-14s by finding concrete proof of what they needed to be successful, but turns out, they already have it. They’ve always had everything they need to buff the F-14s.

The manuals they cite for not buffing the F-14A have the correct engine heat listed already. The Aim-54/Fakours have been bug reported for years now. There’s nothing wrong with these bug reports. Ignored. To this day, the F-14B’s TCS has none of its real functionality. Every single update, the F-14s get nerfed. BOL changes? Artificial Nerf. RWR changes? Artificial Nerf. Radar Changes? Honestly, the F-14s radar can’t get any worse. Video Proof of the IRIAF carrying 6 Aim-54s? Gaijin: Ok cool bro - copy and paste “Forwarded to Devs” and then never talk about it again

They really hate this jet.

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Alright time to get to those findings I was talking about.

Video 1:

The F-14D used the Aim-9X: https://youtu.be/YJW5As4Os4U?si=oHwIcq6g9wRBAtlW&t=1565

The Aim-54s Active guidance parameters were variable to the shot being made: https://youtu.be/YJW5As4Os4U?si=yJAFNdAZKuCnYkbZ&t=1098 and can be shot active off the rail: https://youtu.be/YJW5As4Os4U?si=73LgDOK0Sz0myARd&t=1134

AN/APG-71 has MPRF and HPRF: https://youtu.be/YJW5As4Os4U?si=C7JAaCZuqwxWxhmZ&t=851 and can track through the notch: https://youtu.be/YJW5As4Os4U?si=1Ald7ZKKLjHkP0nC&t=875

The F-14D’s IRST was very good. Giving clear imaging up to 200 miles: https://youtu.be/YJW5As4Os4U?si=qW2Yt89WJ9v_m2Hd&t=6425 and it can be slaved to the AN/APG-71 to get a track: https://youtu.be/YJW5As4Os4U?si=U6KUh88BE2esLDiV&t=6466

Video 2:

F-14D Cockpit footage: https://youtu.be/o_3jM2J1D-0?si=iWLRPu67KxafKuyh&t=143

SparrowHawk HUD: https://youtu.be/o_3jM2J1D-0?si=nSl-2_mjBdZoAvNp&t=80

Video 3:

The AN/APG-71’s addition of the new Databus allows everything to talk to each other (sensor fusion?!) : https://youtu.be/W6acxEWImvs?si=eVIUAmQQKgEGWJ_w&t=957

AN/APG-71 Scan pattern? https://youtu.be/W6acxEWImvs?si=pIfMKcpOK66uqYL4&t=1232

AN/APG-71 could use HPRF and MPRF at the same time with new radar mode: https://youtu.be/W6acxEWImvs?si=SIj4d1yAR5WpjJHX&t=1390

Video 4:

A Mid Compression Bypass Circuit Breaker could be pulled to give an extra 2000 pounds of thrust: https://youtu.be/BDERZpazb3g?si=lmtA7Ob_lMkAiPaX&t=95 (Given that our planes ingame use WEP [War Emergency Power] for afterburner, we possibly could see this added ingame. Our thrust would increase to 32,200 x 2, giving us a TWR of ≈ 1.47 which is .10 higher than what we have now.

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Clicked to see cockpit footage, stayed for the view

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just wish gaijin allowed to use pilot’s words… basicly same level as some newspaper(used for quite a lot of russian planes in game)…

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I’m pretty sure you can. I’ve seen people use interviews for bug reports and have them passed.