Grumman F-14A Tomcat

USN VF-124 Gunfighters, NAS Miramar, CA, Oct. 1978

Hobby Master 1:72  HA5262

In 1978, VF-124 "Gunfighters", the U.S. Navy's F-14 Tomcat Fleet Replacement Squadron at NAS Miramar, California, trained pilots and Radar Intercept Officers (RIOs) on the new F-14A Tomcat. The squadron focused on mastering air-to-air intercepts, AIM-54 Phoenix missile operations, and fleet integration procedures. October 1978 marked part of the early operational phase for the Tomcat, as VF-124 prepared crews for deployment aboard USS Enterprise and other Pacific Fleet carriers. Training included high-speed maneuvering, radar tracking, and coordination with other fighter and support aircraft to ensure readiness for Cold War missions.

Grumman F-14A 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:

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