DRAGON MODELS USA

This super detailed model features the colorful paint scheme of the VF-213 Black Lions. The "Black Lions" squadron has the rare distinction of being one of only a handful of U.S. Navy squadrons that has retained the designation it was originally established with, that of VF-213. Today this squadron is stationed at North Island NAS, and operates the F-14D Tomcat. Along with its sister VF-103 "Jolly Rogers" squadron, it is the last to fly the twin-engine Tomcat with its variable-geometry wings. The Grumman F-14 Tomcat is a United States Navy supersonic, twin-engine, variable sweep wing, two-seat strike fighter. The Tomcat's primary missions are air superiority, fleet air defense, and precision strike against ground targets. To facilitate early introduction of the F-14 into service the first version of the aircraft was planned using the engine and weapons system technology from the F-111B, and then, progressively introduce new engines and a new weapons system into the F-14 new airframe. Thus, the designation F-14A was assigned to the new aircraft equipped with updated TF-30 engines and the AN/AWG-9 weapons system from the F-111B. A F-14B was planned to follow using the engine from the advanced technology engine competition. Then, the 'B' would be followed by the F-14C with a new weapons system replacing the AN/AWG-9. In the event, the AN/AWG-9 replacement was delayed and when it arrived, as the AN/APG-71, the designation assigned to the new aircraft was F-14D. The F-14C, thus, was never produced.

Info: Grumman F-14D Tomcat Diecast Model USN VF-213 Black Lions, AJ213, USS Theodore Roosevelt, 2006