Corgi Showcase Noseart Series CS90454
Grumman F-14A Tomcat Diecast Model
USN VF-211 Checkmates, USS Constellation, Pacific, 1976

1:175 Scale		Length		Width
Grumman F-14A Tomcat		4.25"		4.5"

The Grumman F-14 Tomcat is a supersonic, twin-engine, two-seat, variable geometry wing aircraft. The F-14 was the United States Navy's primary maritime air superiority fighter, fleet defense interceptor and tactical reconnaissance platform from 1974 to 2006. It later performed precision strike missions once it was integrated with LANTIRN. It was developed after the collapse of the F-111B project, and was the first of the American teen-series fighters which were designed incorporating the experience of air combat in Vietnam against MiGs.

It entered service in 1974 with the U.S. Navy, replacing the F-4 Phantom II. It was later exported to the former Imperial Iranian Air Force in 1976, during a time when the US still had good relations with Iran. It was retired from the active U.S. Navy fleet on 22 September 2006, having been replaced by the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. As of 2008, it remains in service only with the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force.

In the 1990s, with the pending retirement of the A-6 Intruder, the F-14 air-to-ground program was resurrected. The first experiments with bombs were carried out in the late 1980s. However, the main task of the F-14 was air defense in Operation Desert Storm, so most air-to-ground missions were left to A-7 and F/A-18 squadrons. The F-14 was cleared operationally to drop basic iron bombs in 1992. To provide for use of precision munitions, the remaining F-14As and F-14Bs underwent an upgrade program. The upgrade included digital avionics, improved cockpit displays, structural improvements and improved defensive systems. The upgraded fighters had avionics comparable to the F-14Ds and were designated F-14A (Upgrade) and F-14B (Upgrade), respectively.

Tomcats benefited from the Digital Flight Control System (DFCS). The DFCS improved handling qualities behind the aircraft carrier, at high angle of attack, and in air combat maneuvering situations. The latest upgrade to the Tomcat included the Link 16 software which enables the aircraft to target enemy aircraft spotted by AWACS aircraft without using its own radar, giving it superior look down kill ability in Beyond Visual Range combat scenarios.

Grumman F-14A Tomcat

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Corgi Showcase Noseart Series

During WW2, young airmen separated from home, family, loved ones and a familiar way of life often sought ways of escaping the harsh reality of war by personalising their aircraft with what has become known as nose art. Humour, slogans, nicknames, cartoons, girls; all were used to bring a touch of light relief to their deadly day-to-day existence. The Corgi Showcase range aims to capture some of the superb works of art that adorned aircraft on all sides of the conflict. Each model is displayed alongside a diecast body panel featuring the art in colourful, large-scale detail.

Corgi "Showcase Collection Noseart Series" diecast airplanes feature:

• Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
• Diecast metal larger scale noseart panel.
• Realistic panel lines and surface details.
• Pad printed markings that won't fade or peel like decals.
• Poseable stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
• Moving parts such as propellers, rotors and swing-wings where applicable.
• Descriptive, collectible data card.