F-14D Tomcat Fighter Jet

Full Specifications

F-14D Tomcat Super Fighter

The F-14D Tomcat represented the final and most advanced production version of the legendary F-14 Tomcat family. Developed for the U.S. Navy during the late Cold War era, the F-14D introduced major upgrades in radar systems, engines, avionics, survivability, and precision strike capability.

Often referred to as the Super Tomcat, the aircraft improved upon earlier F-14A and F-14B variants by replacing the problematic TF30 engines with more reliable and powerful General Electric F110 engines. The result was significantly better acceleration, maneuverability, and carrier launch performance.

The F-14D served as both an air superiority fighter and long-range fleet defense interceptor. It later evolved into a precision strike platform capable of delivering guided bombs during combat operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Balkans.

Manufacturer

The F-14D Tomcat was produced by Grumman Aerospace, now part of Northrop Grumman. The aircraft featured upgraded digital avionics, improved electronic warfare systems, and the AN/APG-71 radar, derived from systems used in the F-15 Eagle.

The aircraft retained the Tomcat’s iconic variable-sweep wing design, allowing optimized flight performance at both low and high speeds.

Speed and Range

The F-14D could reach speeds exceeding Mach 2.3 and had a combat radius of approximately 500 nautical miles. With aerial refueling capability, the aircraft could perform long-range interception and strike missions far from carrier groups.

Powered by two F110-GE-400 afterburning turbofan engines, the aircraft delivered improved thrust and operational reliability compared to earlier variants.

Variant Table

Cost / Price

The estimated unit cost of the F-14D Tomcat was approximately $74 million per aircraft in then-year dollars. The upgrade program focused on extending fleet capability until the arrival of newer carrier fighters such as the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.