Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA5236
Grumman F-14A Tomcat Diecast Model
IRIAF 82nd TFS, #3-6020, Khatami AB, Iran, 1987 | |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Grumman F-14A Tomcat | | 10.25" | | 10.75" |
In the early 1970s the Soviet Union began sending MiG-25 over flights of Iran who was unable to stop this using their F-4s. During a visit by US President Richard Nixon in 1972, Iran was offered the latest in American military technology and in January 1974 it ordered 30 F-14s for the Imperial Iranian Air Force and then another 50 in June 1974. The first two aircraft arrived in January 1976 with 10 more by May 1977, making it the only foreign power to operate the aircraft. This put an end to Soviet over flights. The Khatami Air Base was constructed specifically for the F-14 but poor relations between the US and Iran eventually led to an arms embargo being imposed, which cut off the supply of spare parts for the both the aircract themselves and the potent AIM-54 Phoenix missiles they carry. The Imperial Iranian Air Force (IIAF) became the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) in 1979 and continued to operate the F-14, although it is estimated that less than 20 aircraft are still operational today.
On May 15, 1981 F-14 3-6020 was the first F-14 to fire at a MiG-25. The Iranian F-14 fired an AIM-54 at a MiG-25RB making the pilot turn around and accelerate to 1,750 mph to evade the missile. This F-14 was one of the most successful during the war with Iraq by scoring approximately a dozen victories. In 1986 this F-14 was used in Iranian Bombcat trials with Mk-83 bombs in place of the AIM-54. After this war 3-6020 was the first F-14A to receive the new IRIAF camouflage colors and a major overhaul.
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.
The Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft.
Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" 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.
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.
© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
