F-14B Tomcat

- Naval Fighter / Attacker -

Overview
Initially known as the F-14A+ (Plus) the F-14B is an improved variant of the original F-14A. The F-14As were initially fitted with the TF-30 turbofan engine, originally designed for the F-111 strike fighter. However, since the F-14 was designed as a high-performance fighter/interceptor, its constant maneuvering often caused the engines to breakdown, since they were not intended for such stressful maneuvers. As a result this hampered much of the F-14's early career. In March of 1987, much needed upgrades given to a new batch of F-14s, most important of, were the new, more powerful and much more reliable General Electric F110-400 after-burning turbofans; thus giving the new F-14Bs and Ds far greater potential than with the troublesome TF-30s.

All Tomcat models had bomb carrying capability from the beginning, but they were not implemented until after Operation Desert Storm. The bomb carrying F-14s were often nick-named "Bombcats". Despite having a limited air-to-ground weapons selection, the F-14s were seen to be very successful in carrying out effective strikes on enemy targets. All F-14Bs have been retired from U.S. Navy service.

Origin (Real World)
United States of America

Featured In
Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War

Operators
Osean Maritime Defense Force Yuktobanian Air Force

Variants
F-14A Tomcat F-14D Super Tomcat

Weapons
GUN / M61A1 Vulcan, 20mm Cannon Missile / AIM-9M Sidewinder GPB / GBU-16 Paveway II (AC5)

Stats
Speed: 78 Mobility: 54 Stability: 61 Defense: 60 Air-to-Air: 47 Air-to-Ground: 61