USN F-14D ``VF-2 Bounty Hunters'' 1:72 Academy 12590

Plastic model airplane to assemble: USN F-14D "VF-2 Bounty Hunters" 1:72 Academy 12590

The plastic model USN F-14D "VF-2 Bounty Hunters" 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 famous fighters in military aviation history – the Grumman F-14 Tomcat.

Model features:

• Scale: 1:72
• Manufacturer: Academy
• Catalog number: 12590

History and technical background of the F-14 Tomcat:

The Grumman F-14 Tomcat is an American carrier-based fighter capable of supersonic flight, equipped with two 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 fighter in the "Teen Series," designed with the experiences of air combat against smaller and more agile MiG fighters during the Vietnam War in mind.

The first flight of the F-14 took place on December 21, 1970, and its first deployment occurred in 1974 aboard the USS Enterprise aircraft carrier, where it replaced the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II. The F-14 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, and was replaced by the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. Several retired F-14s have been displayed in various locations across the USA.

International service:

The F-14 was also exported to Iran in 1976, where it was used as an interceptor by the Imperial Iranian Air Force. After the Iranian Revolution in 1979, the Islamic Republic of Iran used them during the Iran-Iraq War. Iran claimed that their F-14s shot down at least 160 Iraqi aircraft during the war, although only 55 of those shootdowns have been confirmed. As of 2024, the F-14 remains in service with the Iranian Air Force, although the number of combat-ready aircraft is low due to a lack of spare parts.

Assembly and painting kit. Does not include paints or glue. To assemble, separately sold 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.