Century Wings 1:72 Wings of Heroes 001620
Grumman F-14A Tomcat Diecast Model
USN VF-41 Black Aces, AJ100, USS Nimitz, 1978, Landing Configuration | Limited Edition
1500
Pieces Worldwide |
|
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Grumman F-14A Tomcat | | 10.25" | | 10.75" |
CENTURY WINGS Celebrates 10 Years of Excellence |
In 2006, an all new diecast brand burst onto the scene with a remarkable 1:72 scale rendition of an F-14A Tomcat. This model significantly raised the bar for accuracy and detail in diecast military aircraft models. Subsequent releases were eagerly snapped up by enthusiasts who wanted nothing but the best for their collections. Time and again, new releases have proven so popular that they have sold-out in pre-order before reaching retailer shelves. Exceptional quality and limited availability have made Century Wings one of the most collectible brands available today, with sold-out models frequently fetching several times their original price on the secondary market.
Century Wings are celebrating their 10th Anniversary with this very special, limited-edition release. Paying homage to the first models in the series, Century Wings are releasing an all-new rendition of one of their earliest releases, a VF-41 Black Aces F-14A Tomcat (AJ100). While the markings are the same as the original, the tooling has been updated to incorporate some exciting new features that allow this new model to be accurately displayed in "landing configuration":
- Fixed wings with leading and trailing edge flaps permanently deployed.
- Interchangeable extended/retracted magnetically attached landing gear.
- Interchangeable extended/retracted arresting hook.
- Interchangeable open/closed exhaust nozzles.
- Subtle weathered paint finish (as with the original model).
Please note that in order to accurately model the wings in the flaps-down configuration, the wings are fixed in the forward position and cannot be folded backwards. Also, unlike previous "launch configuration" models, this model does not include the compressed nosegear with launch bar extended.
US Navy Fighter Squadron 41 (VF-41) Black Aces was commissioned on June 1st, 1945 flying the F4U Corsair. The squadron transitioned through the F2H Banshee, F3H Demon and F-4 Phantom II before upgrading to the F-14 Tomcat in 1976. The Black Aces deployed several times on the USS Nimitz, often sharing the deck with F-14s from VF-84 Jolly Rogers. It was during one of these cruises, on August 19th, 1981, that Black Aces Tomcats shot-down two Libyan Su-22 Fitters over the Gulf of Sidra. This was the first ever combat incident involving US Tomcats. The squadron's final cruise with the F-14 took place in 2001 aboard the USS Enterprise. Upon return, VF-41 transitioned to the F/A-18F Super Hornet.
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. © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Century Wings' 1:72 scale F-14 is exceptionally rich in detail with every access panel, exhaust vent and antenna faithfully reproduced. Crisp pad-printed markings cover the entire airframe and a detailed selection of weapons is provided. The hinged canopy locks securely in place leaving almost no visible gap, and inside is a detailed cockpit with removable crew figures. The landing gear and doors are reproduced as robust sub-assemblies for easy display. The standard release features an articulated swing wing, and certain special releases feature the aircraft in "launch configuration" with wings fixed in the full-forward position, leading and trailing edge flaps permanently deployed and the nose-gear compressed with launch bar extended.
© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Century Wings "1:72 Wings of Heroes" range presents highly-detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft.
Century 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.
- Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors.
- Selected moveable control surfaces.
- Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear.
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Detailed removable pilot and crew figures.
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.
- Many limited editions with numbered certificate of authenticity.
© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
