USN F-14A VF-84 Jolly Rogers 1:144 Academy 12626

Plastic model kit for assembly: USN F-14A VF-84 Jolly Rogers 1:144 Academy 12626

The Grumman F-14 Tomcat is a legendary, supersonic carrier-borne fighter with variable-sweep wings that formed the backbone of the US Navy's air defense for decades. Designed for air superiority and escorting carrier battle groups, it became one of the most recognizable machines in aviation history, partly thanks to the movie "Top Gun" and the characteristic livery of the VF-84 "Jolly Rogers" squadron with its skull and crossbones motif.

The heart of the Tomcat's combat system was the advanced Hughes AN/AWG-9 radar, which, combined with long-range AIM-54 Phoenix missiles, allowed for simultaneous tracking and engaging of multiple targets at distances exceeding 180 km. A unique feature of the design is the wings, whose sweep angle automatically changes from 20 to 68 degrees, optimizing flight characteristics both at low landing speeds and during supersonic flights exceeding Mach 2.

The Academy model in 1:144 scale is a precise kit allowing for the construction of a miniature of this powerful fighter in the colors of the famous VF-84 unit. The set features:

• Detailed reproduction of panel lines in a small scale.
• The option to build the model in the spectacular Jolly Rogers livery.

Original technical data:

• Maximum speed: 2480 km/h (Mach 2.34)
• Service ceiling: 17100 m
• Maximum range: 3200 km
• Fixed armament: 20 mm M61-A1 Vulcan cannon
• Propulsion: two Pratt & Whitney TF30 engines

Kit for self-assembly and painting. Does not include paints or glue. Assembly requires separately sold modeling tools (including nippers, files, tweezers), paints, brushes, and plastic model glue (e.g., Tamiya Extra Thin Cement). The photo shows a professionally assembled and painted model.