Century Wings 1:72 Wings of Heroes 001614 Grumman F-14B Tomcat Diecast Model USN VF-102 Diamondbacks, AB102, USS Theodore Roosevelt, Operation Enduring Freedom 2001 | Limited Edition 1500 Pieces Worldwide |
|
1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
---|
Grumman F-14B Tomcat | | 10.25" | | 10.75" |
US Navy Fighter Squadron 102 (VF-102) Diamondbacks was established on July 1st, 1955 as NAS Jacksonville, Florida, flying the F2H Banshee. The squadron transitioned to the F-4 Phantom II in 1961, flying it for 20 years before upgrading to the F-14A Tomcat in 1981 and then the F-14B Tomcat in 1994. The squadron finally traded their F-14s for the F/A-18F Super Hornet in 2002.
On September 19, 2001 in the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks, VF-102 began a scheduled deployment to the Arabian Sea as a part of Operation Enduring Freedom and began combat operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. During that deployment VF-102 flew 5000 combat hours and dropped 680 bombs as well as guiding more than 50,000 pounds of precision guided munitions launched by other aircraft, VF-102 dropped more ordnance and flew more combat hours then any other F-14 unit during the war in 2001 and 2002. In addition, as part of the USS Theodore Roosevelt Battle Group they were at sea for 159 consecutive days, breaking a 20 year old record.
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.