Dragon Wings Warbirds Series

Diecast Model

Grumman F-14D Tomcat

"Vampires"

US Navy VX-9

1:72 Scale - DRW 50185

Wingspan: 6.75" (retracted)

Length: 10.25"

Each Model Features:

• 1/72 Authentic Scale
• Historically Accurate
• Removable Weapons
• Detailed Cockpits
• Opening Canopy
• Moving Wing Flaps
• Pre-assembled
• Display Stand incuded
• Optional landing gear
• Working Variable sweep wings

About this Model:

This model features the striking all black livery with bat logo of the Air Test and Evaluation Squadron NINE "Vampires" based at Point Mugu, California.

As of 2000, VX-9 had 67 officers, 350 enlisted personnel and 28 aircraft including the FA-18E/F Super Hornet, FA-18 Hornet, F-14 Tomcat, EA-6B Prowler, AV-8B Harrier, and AH-1 Cobra. Typically, aircrews are qualified in more than one of these aircraft types, increasing their versatility and providing broader based expertise to be applied to each project. VX-9's mission has grown to include the operational evaluation of attack, fighter, and electronic warfare aircraft, weapons systems and equipment, and to develop tactical procedures for their employment.

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.