USN F-14A VF-143 Pukin Dogs 1:72 Academy 12563

Plastic model airplane to assemble: USN F-14A VF-143 Pukin Dogs 1:72 Academy 12563

The plastic model USN F-14A VF-143 Pukin Dogs in 1:72 scale from the renowned company Academy is an excellent proposition for aviation and modeling enthusiasts. This detailed set allows you to recreate one of the most iconic fighter jets in military aviation history – the Grumman F-14 Tomcat.

Model features:

• Scale: 1:72
• Manufacturer: Academy
• Catalog number: 12563
• The set includes decals for the VF-143 "Pukin Dogs" squadron

About the F-14 Tomcat: The Grumman F-14 Tomcat is an American carrier-based fighter jet, capable of flying in all weather conditions, equipped with two jet engines and variable geometry wings. It was developed under the Naval Fighter Experimental (VFX) program for the United States Navy after the failure of the General Dynamics-Grumman F-111B project. The F-14 Tomcat was the first in a series of Teen Series fighters that were developed based on experiences from air combat with smaller and more agile MiG fighters during the Vietnam War.

History and achievements:

The first flight of the F-14 took place on December 21, 1970, and the first deployment occurred in 1974 aboard the USS Enterprise aircraft carrier, replacing the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II. The F-14 Tomcat served as the primary air superiority fighter for the U.S. Navy, intercepting and providing tactical reconnaissance until the 2000s. In the 1990s, the LANTIRN system was added, allowing the Tomcat to perform precision ground attack missions.

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.

International service:

The F-14 was exported to Iran in 1976, where it was used as an interceptor by the Imperial Iranian Air Force, and later by the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force during the Iran-Iraq War. Iran claims that their F-14s shot down at least 160 Iraqi aircraft during the war, although only 55 of those shootdowns have been confirmed.

Assembly and painting kit. Does not include paints or glue. Assembly requires separately sold modeling tools (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.