Witty Sky Guardians (Series 2) WTW72009-24
Grumman F-14A Tomcat Diecast Model
USN VF-41 Black Aces, AJ107 "Fast Eagle 107", USS Nimitz, Gulf of Sidra, August 19th 1981 | Limited Edition
800
Pieces Worldwide |
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| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Grumman F-14A Tomcat | | 10.25" | | 10.75" |
In August of 1981, President Ronald Reagan deployed a large naval force to conduct "Freedom of Navigation" operations off the coast of Libya. Libya responded by deploying fighter-bombers and interceptors, resulting in a tense standoff that peaked when two VF-41 F-14A Tomcats from the USS Nimitz—"Fast Eagle 102" and "Fast Eagle 107"—were ordered to intercept a pair of Libyan Su-22 Fitters. One of the Su-22s fired upon the F-14s and missed, and when the Su-22s tried to escape the Tomcats returned fire. Fast Eagle 102 shot down the first Su-22 and 107 shot down the second. The incident was over quickly, but history repeated itself in 1989 when two F-14s shot down a pair of MiG-23s in the same region. 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. 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. © Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc. Witty's 1:72 scale F-14 offers collectors many wonderful features at an economical price. In designing this model, Witty has paid close attention to small details such as the opening cockpit with correct hydraulic actuator arm, air data sensors and pitot tubes. Adjustable parts include deployable speed brakes, independently movable stabilators, twins with movable rudders and swing-wings with the full range of motion. As a bonus, this model is also the first to feature a deployable arrestor hook. Variants in this series include an F-14A with P&W TF30 exhaust nozzles, and B and D variants with upgraded exhaust nozzles. © Copyright 2003-2015 The Flying Mule, Inc. The Witty "Wings" range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft. Witty have earned a reputation for producing high-quality models that can be displayed right out of the box. Witty "Wings" (Series 2) 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.
- Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear with rotating wheels.
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
- Selected moving parts such as canopies, control surfaces and swing-wings.
- Detailed, hand-painted pilot and crew member figures.
- Many limited editions with numbered certificate of authenticity.
© Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc. |
