Grumman F-14D Tomcat

USN VF-213 Blacklions, AJ212, USS Theodore Roosevelt, Last F-14 Cruise 2006

Lt Cdr Meagan V. Flannigan

Hobby Master 1:72 HA5249

VF-213 "Black Lions" was established on June 22, 1955. VF-213 received its first F-14D in 1997 and in March, 2006; onboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt they completed their last cruise flying the F-14D. From September 2005 to March 2006 VF-213 operated in the Persian and Arabian Gulfs in support of "OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM". Returning home on March 10, 2006 the next month they began to transition to the new F/A-18F Super Hornet requiring a unit name change to VFA-213. During the last cruise Lt. Cdr Meagan "Slick" Flannigan (nee-Varley) flew her F-14D.

Grumman F-14B Tomcat  

Designed to carry the formidable long range AIM-54 Phoenix missile, the Grumman F-14 Tomcat was first flown on December 21st, 1970. Made famous by the Hollywood film Top Gun, the F-14 replaced the F-4 Phantom II as the US Navy's primary maritime air superiority fighter. Its design includes a variable geometry wing that can sweep back for high speed supersonic intercepts and forward for improved positioning in air to air dogfights. Nicknamed "Bombcat," the F-14 spent much of its late career in an air-to-ground role, carrying the Low Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared for Night (LANTIRN) system.

Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" diecast airplanes feature:

1. Molded metal construction with plastic components.
2. Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
3. Inscriptions and posters printed with a stamp that do not fade or fall off like decals.
4. opening of awnings, revealing detailed within the cockpit.
5. Extended / retracted interchangeable landing gear.
6. Display stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
7. Authentic detachable artillery cargoes complete with placards.