The F-14D “Super Tomcat” was the final variant introduced by Grumman in the late 1980’s. Similar to its predecessors, the most modern Tomcat featured F110-GE-400 engines. Additionally, the Super Tomcat was fitted with the Airborne Self Protection Jammer, the AN/APG-71 radar, Joint Tactical Information Distribution System and other enhancements.
The F-14 Tomcat is clearly a fighter based on Cold War needs and designs. It is also clearly not stealth like the F-22, F-35, or upcoming NGAD platform. And yet, the public just can't get enough of this old fighter jet. Why is that exactly? Why are we so fascinated by it?
The Bombcats flew missions against Yugoslavia in 1999 and later over Afghanistan and Iraq in the 2000s, the U.S. Navy retired the last F-14 from service in 2006.