F-14A Tomcat

The original Tomcat put a two-person crew and long-range missiles between an aircraft carrier and approaching threats.

The Inside Story

The A model paired TF30 engines with the AWG-9 radar and long-range Phoenix missiles. The pilot flew the intercept while the radar intercept officer in back managed the search and weapons system. Sweeping wings let the same large fighter handle both fast interceptions and slow carrier approaches.

Radar workload

Track 24 targets at once

Phoenix demonstration

1973 test: six launches in 38 seconds

Back seat

No flight controls in the rear cockpit

Deck parking

Wings sweep farther back than in flight