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Hello everyone, I’d like to introduce and suggest the Grumman F-14D Super Tomcat for the US aviation tech tree in War Thunder. It is a final variant of the F-14 Tomcat, with newer digital avionics systems, including a HUD and newer AN/APG-71 radar as a replacement for the older AWG-9 radar.
Key Characteristics
- Multi-Role Fighter / Jet Fighter / Naval Aircraft
- Last and most modern Tomcat variant ever
- Advanced digital avionics
- AN/APG-71 digital multimode radar and dual chin pod under the nose
- Access to Joint Direct Attack Munitions
- General Electric F110-GE-400 afterburning turbofan engines
History
Design and DevelopmentThe F-14D was the final variant introduced by Grumman in the late 1980s in response to a need for a necessary upgrade for the F-14s to keep it ahead of the new threats from the USSR. The early F-14A/B’s analog avionics and radar lacked high-speed multiplex digital data buses, multi-function cockpit displays, and head-up displays. It was missing other new features in the US Air Force F-15s and F-16s. Grumman intended to digitize their existing F-14s and extend their length of service. This decision was made to persuade the US Navy to continue using them in the service.
The changes of avionics on the F-14D consisted of new MIL-STD-1553G multiprocessors, ASN-130 digital inertial navigation system, ASN-139 laser inertial navigation system, dual AYK-14 Standard Airborne Computers, Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS), AN/APG-71 radar, dual chin pod under the nose, and Itek ALR-67 radar-warning receiver and AN/ALQ-165 Airborne Self Protection Jammer.
The APG-71 was developed from the APG-70 used in the F-15E Strike Eagle and shared many similar features. The APG-71 was a digital multimode radar that provides non-cooperative target identification and incorporates low sidelobe techniques and enhanced frequency agility. Its 5 kW power output was powerful enough to track more than 24 targets simultaneously, with an acquisition range of up to 400 miles on paper; however, the antenna design was antiquated and limited this range to about 230 miles. Nonetheless, the radar was less susceptible to jamming and was faster at processing data by six times more than the precursor AWG-9, allowing it to prioritize the most threatening targets. Its data link system linked two or more F-14Ds to operate the system at maximum range, and the radar from one F-14D could hand off to the radar of another fighter, giving its eyes to the full range of the system.
The F-14D was compatible with the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS). It integrated and secured data communications links between cooperating assets into a single jam-free system for multi-service use.
The F-14D’s dual chin pod under the nose contained a Northrop AN/AXX-1 Television Camera System (TCS) and a General Electric Infrared Search and Track (IRST) system. It was a distinctive feature of the new F-14D, whereas the previous Tomcat variants carried one or the other of these systems but not both. The IRST system used frictional heating of an aircraft’s skin, allowing passive identification of the targets at around 115 miles. The F-14D’s IRST and TCS gave the F-14Ds powerful capabilities for searching and identifying the targets to pass the information through the JTIDS terminal.
In the cockpit, the analog instruments were replaced by heads-up displays and multi-function display screens. The new HUD was more advanced and similar to the one found in an F/A-18. The rear cockpit had a single multi-function glass display and smaller displays for modern electronics. It included a combined optical and infrared image to display a threat’s skin temperature and exhaust heat as far as 100 miles away.
All F-14Ds were built and wired to carry the Tactical Airborne Reconnaissance Pod System (TARPS). It was installed slightly off centerline on Phoenix station number five, and it contained a KS-87B forward or vertical frame camera, a KA-99 low-altitude panoramic camera, and an AN/AAD-5 infrared line-scan.
Also, all F-14Ds were installed and powered by the 27,600 lb thrust General Electric F110-GE-400 turbofan. It eliminated the defects like the compressor stall. The F-14Ds could take off from the catapult without afterburning, which saved a valuable amount of fuel. The General Electric engine was slightly smaller in diameter than the Pratt & Whitney engine, and no modifications were needed to make to the airframe.
A modified F-14A with old TF-30s and new electronics of the prototype F-14D made its first flight on November 23, 1987. This Tomcat was evaluated with the AN/APG-71 radar, communications system, navigation systems, and data links. Other modified F-14As made test flights to assess the F110-GE-400 engines, environmental and TARPS systems, ECM systems, sensors, and weapons integration.
The final prototype was used to test the new Joint Tactical Information Distribution System alongside the RWR test and live weapons firing. It completed the test flight on September 21, 1988.
Finally, on February 9, 1990, the first production F-14D was built and taken on its first flight. It was displayed in a ceremony at the Calverton plant on March 23, 1990. The first F-14D was delivered to VX-4 at Point Mugu, California, in May 1990, where it would be in complete evaluation during the test flight, such as the carrier landings. The testing showed an increase in Tomcat’s performance. The F-14D with GE F110 engine increases its maneuverability with extra thrust. The F-14D’s range was increased to 60%, and the rate of climb was increased by 61%. The F-14D can make an operational sortie 150 miles from the carrier, loiter for two hours, and retain enough fuel reserves for several passes on its return to the carrier. Consequently, the improved performance of the GE F110 engine in the F-14D’s flight test was highly complimented.
Operational Service in the US NavyAfter Grumman and VX-4 had conducted testing of the F-14D, the first fleet unit to receive the type was VF-124, stationed in the West Coast RAG. The F-14D was to be the definitive version of the Tomcat and remain an integral part of the US Navy aviation fleet in the future. Grumman planned to deliver at least 12 new-built F-14Ds to the Navy each year and remanufacture the earlier F-14As to the F-14D standards. However, not all fleet units received the F-14D units. It was due to the political decision made by Secretary of Defense Dick Cheney, as he refused to approve the purchase of any more F-14Ds in favor of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet program backed by the Department of Defense.
55 F-14Ds were produced; 18 F-14As were retrofitted and designated as the F-14D(R), and 37 F-14Ds were built from scratch. The production was officially terminated in February 1991 because funds for F-14D production were eliminated and reduced to zero in the Fiscal Year 1992 budget. It heavily impacted the decline of Grumman and resulted in massive layoffs. Grumman eventually was merged with Northrop Corporation to form Northrop Grumman in 1994.
The Navy received the last F-14D from the assembly line, and it was on July 10, 1992, marking the end of 22 years of Tomcat production. The remaining F-14Ds entered fleet service in July 1992 and missed the action from the Gulf War. VF-11 squadron was the first unit to operate F-14Ds, followed by VF-31 squadron. With the limited numbers of F-14Ds, the Navy reorganized squadrons to receive some converted F-14D(R)s; the VF-2 squadron was selected to convert to the F-14D in early 1993. 108 F-14D(R)s were initially planned but suffered the cutbacks of funds, so 18 F-14D(R)s and 37 F-14Ds were enough to equip only three frontline squadrons. The following squadrons to equip F-14Ds are VF-2 Bounty Hunters, VF-11 Red Rippers, and VF-31 Tomcatters. VF-124 training squadron was equipped with F-14Ds before disestablishing and transferring to VF-101 in September 1994.
The shortage of F-14Ds was so severe that VF-11 transitioned back to the F-14B in late 1996. Along with the F-14Bs in service, the F-14Ds received a Block 1 upgrade, which introduced a GPS capability, a digital flight control system, AN/ARC-210 radios, and a LANTIRN integration. An upgrade was planned for the F-14D’s computer software that provided capabilities of the AIM-120 AMRAAMs, but it was later terminated to free up funding for LANTIRN integration.
In the middle of 1997, the decision was made to reduce the size of F-14 squadrons, which freed enough F-14Ds for VF-213 Black Lions to begin the transition and conversion to this type. These F-14Ds would see into its combat for the first time when USS Carl Vinson arrived in the Persian Gulf for Operation Desert Fox. During the last day of the operation on December 19, 1998, the F-14Ds from the VF-213 squadron joined the air strikes using the GBU-24 Paveway III laser-guided bombs against Iraq.
On January 5, 1999, two F-14Ds from the VF-213 squadron engaged several Iraqi aircraft challenging the no-fly zone. These F-14Ds were approached by a pair of MiG-23s that turned away, and the F-14Ds responded by firing two AIM-54Cs at these MiG-23s, but the missile motors did not ignite due to being improperly armed before launching from the carrier. The F/A-18s took over the engagement and chased these two MiG-23s; one MiG-23 ran out of fuel and crashed. The F-14Ds then focused on a MiG-25 that continued to advance and launched two AIM-54C Phoenix missiles at it from a very long distance. Again, both missile motors failed and did not hit their target, so the MiG-25 flew back out of the no-fly zone and fled. This engagement marked the first time the US Navy launched AIM-54Cs in combat.
Another engagement by an F-14D occurred on September 14, 1999, when an F-14D of a VF-2 squadron fired an AIM-54C missile at a MiG-23 at a very long range. The MiG-23 quickly turned and fled and was able to outrun the missile.
The F-14Ds from VF-2, VF-31, and VF-213 squadrons also participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom and contributed their parts to 2,547 F-14 Tomcat combat sorties, most of them air strikes. These F-14Ds were upgraded with JDAM capability in March 2003.
One notable mission involved TARPS-equipped F-14Ds dropping four Mark-82 bombs on Saddam Hussein’s Presidential yacht Al-Mansur. F-14s also supported ground troops during the war and acted as Forward Air Controllers for other aircraft. Unfortunately, several F-14Ds from VF-32 were involved in the worst friendly-fire incident in the operation when the F-14Ds attacked a US Special Forces convoy in northern Iraq, believing they were Iraqi forces.
On December 10, 2005, the F-14Ds of VF-31 and VF-213 were upgraded with a ROVER III downlink, a system that transmits real-time images from the F-14D’s sensors to the laptop of a Forward Air Controller on the ground.
The F-14Ds would see the last three years after the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The VF-31 and VF-213 were given the final deployment for the F-14Ds between September 2005 and March 2006 for their reconnaissance, surveillance, and close air support missions in Iraq. The F-14Ds of VF-31 were launched for the last time on July 28, 2006.
Finally, the US Navy began phasing the F-14 out of the Fleet in the middle of 2006. The last F-14D squadron, VF-213, retired its F-14Ds on September 22, 2006, and the actual last flight of an F-14D was on October 4, 2006, when the F-14D of VF-31 was ferried from NAS Oceana to Republic Airport on Long Island, New York. Effectively, they were replaced by the F/A-18E/Fs in their reconnaissance, fighter, and attack roles. The remaining intact F-14s were scraped away to prevent any components from being smuggled and acquired by Iran, terminating the lifetime of the F-14 Tomcat in US service for good. The F-14Ds were never exported outside of the US.
Specifications
Grumman F-14D Super TomcatGeneral Characteristics
- Crew: 2 (Pilot and Radar Intercept Officer)
- Length: 62 ft 8.5 in (19.11 m)
- Height: 16 ft (4.88 m)
- Wingspan: 64 ft 1.5 in (19.545 m)
- Wingspan, swept: 38 ft 2.5 in (11.65 m)
- Wingspan, overswept: 38 ft 3.5 in (11.67 m)
- Wing Area: 565 sq ft (52.5 sq m)
- Powerplant: 2 x General Electric F110-GE-400 afterburning turbofan engines
→ 53,954 lbf (240 kN) thrust A/B @ sea level
→ 32,666 lbf (145 kN) thrust dry @ sea level- Internal Fuel: 16,200 lb (7,348 kg)
- External Fuel: 3,800 lb (1,724 kg)
- Empty Weight: 43,735 lb (19,838 kg)
- Gross Weight: 61,000 lb (27,669 kg)
- Max. Field Takeoff Weight: 72,000 lb (32,659 kg)
- Max. Catapult Takeoff Weight: 76,000 lb (34,473 kg)
- Max. Landing Weight: 60,000 lb (27,216 kg)
- Max. Carrier Landing Weight: 54,000 lbs (24,494 kg)
- Max. Payload: 14,500 lbs (6,577 kg)
Powerplant Ratings
Maximum Afterburner:
→ 26,977 lbf (120 kN) thrust each @ 14,666 rpm @ sea level
Intermediate:
→ 16,333 lbf (72.65 kN) thrust each @ 14,673 rpm @ sea level
Maximum Continuous:
→ 11,800 lbf (52.5 kN) thrust each @ 13,994 rpm @ sea level
Performance
- Thrust-to-Weight Ratio: 0.88 at gross weight & 1.02 with loaded weight, 50% internal fuel
- Sea Level Speed: 912 mph (1,468 km/h)
- Critical Altitude Speed: Mach 2.34 (1,544 mph / 2,485 km/h) @ 40,000 ft (12,192 m)
- Wing Loading: 107.96 lb/sq ft (527.1 kg/sq m)
- Rate of Climb: 45,000 fpm (230 m/s)
- Service Ceiling: 53,000 ft (16,000 m)
- Combat Range: 580 miles (930 km)
- Maximum Range: 1,800 miles (3,000 km)
- Minimum Takeoff Roll: 1,400 ft (426 m)
- Minimum Landing Roll: 2,400 ft (730 m)
Weapons System
Avionic Systems:
- AN/AWG-71Radar
- AN/AAS-42 IRST and Television Camera System
- AN/ALR-67 Radar Warning Receiver
- AN/ALQ-165 Airborne Self-Protection Jammer
- AN/ASN-139 Digital Inertial Navigation System
- AN/ASN-163 Miniaturized Airborne Global Positioning System Receiver
- Remotely Operated Video Enhanced Receiver (ROVER)
- AN/ARC-182(V) Very High Frequency/Ultra High Frequency
- AN/AYQ-15 Stores Management System
- AN/AYK-14 Digital Computers
- MIL-STD-1553B Digital Multiplex Data Buses
Guns:
- 1 x 20-mm M61A1 Vulcan (676 rounds)
Hardpoints:
- 6 x under fuselage
- 2 x under nacelles
- 2 x on wing gloves
Air-to-Air Missiles:
- 4 x AIM-9L/M Sidewinders
- 6 x AIM-7F/M/P Sparrows
- 6 x AIM-54C Phoenixes
- 6 x AIM-120 AARAAMs
Air-to-Ground Bombs:
- JDAM precision-guided munition
- Mk 82/83/84 unguided bombs
- Paveway laser-guided bombs
- Mk 20 Rockeye II cluster munition
Rockets:
- LAU-10 rocket pods
Other:
- Tactical Airborne Reconnaissance Pod System (TARPS)
- LANTIRN Targeting System (LTS) Pod System (AN/AAQ-14)
- 2 x 267 US gal drop tanks
Cockpit
F-14D Livery
Conclusion | F-14D’s place in the game
The F-14D Super Tomcat was a newer variant with modern avionics, and it was the final variant of the F-14 family before the predominant F/A-18 Hornet took over its role.
This F-14D Super Tomcat can get added in War Thunder after the F-14B, as it has better radar and newer RWR to defend itself against much more modern aircraft. However, it does not equip any AIM-120 AMRAAMs in the service because AIM-120 integration was never done operationally. The integration of the AMRAAM into a fleet of F-14D Tomcats was too cost-intensive for their short service, so the Navy pursued the LANTRIN integration instead.
Despite this, it does not rule out the possibility of incorporating AIM-120 missiles on the F-14D in War Thunder. An F-14A was modified to carry and launch an AIM-120A missile as testing in September 1981. These tests served as test beds for the future F-14Ds that would be integrated with newer AIM-120 missiles. Standard Aircraft Characteristics of the F-14D mentioned the loadout of AIM-120 missiles planned for the F-14D.
Considering the supporting evidence, the F-14D’s radar and mission computer system & multi-mission store loading are capable of storing, launching, and guiding the AIM-120s. This is sufficient to say that physical capability was proven possible for the AIM-120 integration, but the Navy rejected this option for its fleet of F-14Ds. With the F-14D Tomcat’s place in War Thunder, it should have the capability to carry and fire the AIM-120s along with the VTAS HMS (this was tested in the F-14, too). It would make the F-14D more unique and appealing Tomcat, much more competent than the F-14A/B in the FOX-3 environment. For the sake of the F-14D, the aircraft should have these capabilities that faithfully define this ultimate variant in War Thunder, as it is the last and most modern Tomcat variant to have served in the US Navy.
- F-14D Tomcat Standard Aircraft Characteristics (July 1985) - Cleared for Open Publication
- AIRFIGHTERS.COM - Grumman F-14D Tomcat Data and History
- HOME OF M.A.T.S. - The most comprehensive Grumman F-14 Reference Work - by Torsten Anft!
- Why the Grumman F-14 Tomcat Never Lived Up to Its Reputation
- F-14 Tomcat
- Grumman F-14D Tomcat
- Service of F-14 Tomcat with US Navy
- https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/f14/?cf-closed
- On the 50th Anniversary of First Flight, 14 Important Moments in the Life of the Tomcat > The Sextant > Article View
- F-14D
- https://www.usni.org/magazines/naval-history-magazine/2012/april/historic-aircraft-premier-fighter
- Grumman F-14 Tomcat - Wikipedia
- F-14 Tomcat operational history - Wikipedia
- F-14D Super Tomcat: The 'Top Gun' Fighter That Could Have Been | The National Interest
Thank you for taking the time to read my suggestion! 😃
