F-14D Super Tomcat, VF-213 "Black Lions"

This super detailed model features the colorful paint scheme of the VF-213 Black Lions.

Main Features:
- Working "Variable Sweep" wings!
- 1/72 Authentic Scale
- Accurate F-14D mold approved by Northrop Grumman
- High quality diecast metal
- Historically accurate
- Removable missiles
- Detailed cockpit
- Opening canopy
- Moveable flight control surfaces
- Engraved panel lines
- Ready for display
- Display in flight or in landing mode (stand included)
- Approximate dimensions: 10.3"L x 10.7"W (unswept) x 6.3"W (swept) x 2.7"H

The �Black Lions� squadron has the rare distinction of being one of only a handful of U.S. Navy squadrons that has retained the designation it was originally established with, that of VF-213. Today this squadron is stationed at North Island NAS, and operates the F-14D Tomcat. Along with its sister VF-103 �Jolly Rogers� squadron, it is the last to fly the twin-engine Tomcat with its variable-geometry wings.

The Grumman F-14 Tomcat is a United States Navy supersonic, twin-engine, variable sweep wing, two-seat strike fighter. The Tomcat's primary missions are air superiority, fleet air defense, and precision strike against ground targets.

To facilitate early introduction of the F-14 into service the first version of the aircraft was planned using the engine and weapons system technology from the F-111B, and then, progressively introduce new engines and a new weapons system into the F-14 new airframe. Thus, the designation F-14A was assigned to the new aircraft equipped with updated TF-30 engines and the AN/AWG-9 weapons system from the F-111B. A F-14B was planned to follow using the engine from the advanced technology engine competition. Then, the 'B' would be followed by the F-14C with a new weapons system replacing the AN/AWG-9. In the event, the AN/AWG-9 replacement was delayed and when it arrived, as the AN/APG-71, the designation assigned to the new aircraft was F-14D. The F-14C, thus, was never produced.