In 1969, the US Navy established its Fighter Weapons School (NFWS), more popularly known as TOPGUN, at NAS Miramar, California. Its objective was to develop, refine and teach air combat maneuvering tactics and techniques to selected fleet air crews flying against aggressor squadrons. The aggressor aircraft are flown by TOPGUN instructors in a way that simulates the tactics and capabilities of air forces deemed most likely to be a threat to the US. The NFWS merged into the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center (NSAWC) at NAS Fallon, Nevada in 1996. The NSAWC continues to teach the TOPGUN course, more formally known as the Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor (SFTI) program. In 1993, F-14A BuNo 159855 was painted in a grey camouflage scheme representing a Russian Su-27 Flanker. It included red Russian stars and the red number 31 and was nicknamed "Tomcatsky".
This model has a "washed" paint finish with panel line shading. To learn more, visit the Calibre Wings Youtube Channel.
Please note: An optional display stand is available separately if you wish to display this model "in-flight".
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.
The Calibre Wings 1:72 range presents highly-detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft. Calibre Wings models are remarkably accurate replicas of their real life counterparts. They are constructed with a significant diecast metal content and include a wealth of features not typically found on other diecast models.
Calibre Wings 1:72 diecast airplanes feature:
Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
