Limited Edition 800 Pieces Worldwide

US Navy Fighter Squadron 31 (VF-31) Tomcatters was the new designation given to VF-3A on August 7th, 1948. The squadron transitioned from the F6F Hellcat through the F9F Panther, F2H Banshee, F3H Demon and F-4 Phantom II before upgrading to the F-14 Tomcat in 1981. The Tomcatters deployed several times with the F-14 on various Nimitz Class carriers. They deployed with the F-14 for the last time aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt in 2005 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. It was during this deployment that VF-31 became the last F-14 squadron to drop a bomb in combat. The squadron returned home in 2006 and and transitioned to the F/A-18E Super Hornet, being redesignated Strike Fighter Squadron 31 (VFA-31).In 2002 VF-31 was onboard the USS Abraham Lincoln and heading home from Operation Enduring Freedom when they were ordered back to take part in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Like many squadrons that were deployed over the Christmas season they painted an aircraft with a Santa theme so F-14D 164601 was chosen. Felix The Cat was painted on the tail wearing a small Santa hat still carrying his fused bomb.

Century Wings 1:72 diecast airplanes feature:

• Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
• Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
• Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
• Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors.
• Selected moveable control surfaces.
• Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear.
• Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
• Detailed removable pilot and crew figures.
• Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
• Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.
• Many limited editions with numbered certificate of authenticity.

Info: Grumman F-14D Tomcat USN VF-31 Tomcatters, NK100 Santa Cat, USS Abraham Lincoln, Operation Iraqi Freedom, December 2002