F-14A Tomcat ``VF-2 Bounty Hunters 1976'' 1:72 Hasegawa 02491

Plastic model airplane to assemble: F-14A Tomcat "VF-2 Bounty Hunters 1976" 1:72 Hasegawa 02491

The plastic model to assemble: F-14A Tomcat "VF-2 Bounty Hunters 1976" in 1:72 scale from Hasegawa is an excellent proposition for aviation and modeling enthusiasts. This set allows you to recreate one of the most iconic fighter jets in the history of military aviation, which served in the United States Navy.

Model features:

• Scale: 1:72
• Manufacturer: Hasegawa
• Catalog number: 02491
• The set includes decals to recreate the markings of squadron VF-2 "Bounty Hunters" from 1976, stationed aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise

About the F-14A Tomcat: The Grumman F-14 Tomcat is an American carrier-based fighter jet capable of supersonic flight, equipped with two engines and variable-sweep wings. It was developed under the Naval Fighter Experimental (VFX) program following the failure of the F-111B project. The F-14 was the first fighter in the "Teen Series," designed with the experiences of air combat against smaller and more maneuverable MiG fighters during the Vietnam War in mind.

The F-14 made its first flight on December 21, 1970, and its first deployment took place in 1974 aboard the USS Enterprise, replacing the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II. The Tomcat served as the primary air superiority fighter, interceptor, and reconnaissance platform for the U.S. Navy until the 2000s. In the 1990s, the LANTIRN system was added, enabling precision ground attacks.

The F-14 was retired from service in the U.S. Navy on September 22, 2006, replaced by the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. Several retired F-14s have been displayed in various locations across the USA.

History of squadron VF-2 "Bounty Hunters": Squadron VF-2, known as "Bounty Hunters," was established on October 14, 1972, and initially flew the F-14A Tomcat. In 1974, the squadron undertook its first mission aboard the USS Enterprise, supporting Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of U.S. personnel from Saigon in April 1975.

In the 1980s, VF-2 was the first unit equipped with the TARPS (Tactical Air Reconnaissance Pod System) and participated in many missions, including Operation Nimble Archer in 1987. In the 1990s, the squadron took part in Operation Desert Storm, conducting over 500 combat missions from the USS Ranger.

In 1996, the F-14D Tomcats of squadron VF-2 were modified to carry the LANTIRN infrared targeting system, enabling precision strikes. In 2003, the squadron was redesignated as VFA-2 and began transitioning to the F/A-18F Super Hornet.

Assembly and painting kit. Does not include paints or glue. To assemble, separate modeling tools are needed (including cutters, files, tweezers), paints, brushes, and plastic model glue (e.g., Tamiya Extra Thin Cement). The photo shows a professionally assembled and painted model.