During the service history of the legendary F-14 Tomcat, Iran would become its only foreign operator and one which created an impressive service record for the aircraft. This modified variant of the Tomcat will join the fray in War Thunder’s skies, becoming available as the main reward in the Persian Tomcat event!
F-14A IRIAF: An Event Vehicle Jet Fighter for the USA at Rank VIII
Features:
- Superb flight characteristics.
- Unique Iranian ordnance.
- Top speed over Mach 2.
- Advanced radar and avionics.
During the 1970s, the Imperial Iranian Air Force was looking into means of modernizing its aging fleet of interceptor aircraft. Specifically, the air force was looking for a modern fighter jet, capable of effectively countering the Soviet MiG-25. As part of a diplomatic mission, the U.S. government offered to share some of its latest military technology with Iran, which eventually led to the country adopting the advanced F-14 Tomcat into service. After placing an order for up to 80 aircraft including missiles and spare parts, Iran received its first Tomcats in January 1976.
With the overthrowing of the Iranian government as part of the Islamic Revolution and the outbreak of the Iraq-Iran War at the end of the 1970s, the F-14 in Iranian service earned itself a formidable reputation amongst its own as well as enemy pilots. By some accounts, throughout the eight years of conflict with Iraq, Iranian F-14s scored some 160 aerial victories while only losing around a dozen aircraft. Despite its age, the F-14 continues its service with Iranian forces to this day. The aircraft has continuously received upgrades to its armament and avionics with domestic systems, thus extending its service life. However, as a result of the aircraft’s old age coupled with international sanctions, it’s presumed that only a small number of the Iranian F-14s remain serviceable currently.
Meet the F-14A IRIAF!
Unlike most modern American combat aircraft, the F-14 had almost no foreign operators. An exception to this is the Iranian air force that chose to adopt the powerful Tomcat in the early 1970s in an effort to modernize its fleet of interceptors. You’ll now have the chance to add this potent aircraft to your top tier aircraft roster through obtaining it in the Persian Tomcat event. Let’s take a closer look!
Being offered as an ‘off the shelf’ solution, the F-14A in Iranian service differs only little from its close American relative. In fact, the core design and systems remain virtually identical as only minor modifications were made to the aircraft in order to enable its export. As such, this F-14A will provide its prospective pilots with the same flight characteristics as the American counterpart. While this makes the transition for fighter pilots who already earned their wings on the F-14 virtually seamless to this aircraft, it also represents an excellent opportunity for newer pilots to obtain a truly powerful fighter, excelling at high-speed and long-distance aerial engagements.
Interesting: The Iranian Air Force is the only foreign operator to adopt the F-14 Tomcat into service.
What makes the F-14 in Iranian colors truly stand out from its American relatives, but also from many other aircraft in the game, is its unique ordnance options and the loadout possibilities it comes with. Namely, this F-14 brings with it access to familiar weapons such as the AIM-9 Sidewinder, AIM-7 Sparrow and AIM-54 Phoenix missiles. However, you’ll also be able to equip the aircraft with unique domestic missile variants such as the powerful Fakour-90 as well as the Sedjil, representing the ARH and SARH missile variants.
These missiles will greatly increase the Tomcat’s BVR capabilities and will allow it to match even the most advanced fighter jets in the game. Additionally, the F-14 can also equip Soviet R-27R1 missiles, making it one of the few aircraft in the game capable of mounting a combination of Soviet and Western missiles as well as introducing new domestic variants. Rounding off this impressive arsenal is also a selection of conventional as well as guided bombs, rockets, and missiles (including the unguided Yasser with a 750 lb bomb strapped to its nose), enabling the F-14 to also be effectively used in ground attack missions.
This unique Iranian version of the F-14 Tomcat is now making an appearance in the action-packed skies of high tier battles in War Thunder. Be sure to participate in the on-going Persian Tomcat event that started today and add this apex predator to your collection!
