1/72 Gemini Aces (GA-IRA-110-01) Grumman F14A Tomcat (3-6005) Grey & Blue Camo Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (Limited Edition #409 of Only 500) 2014 Release
1/72 Gemini Aces (GA-IRA-110-01) Grumman F14A Tomcat (3-6005) Grey & Blue Camo Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (Limited Edition #409 of Only 500) 2014 Release
The Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force was the new title given to the Imperial Iranian Air Force in the early 1980s. The IIAF acquired the F-14A Tomcat from the United States in 1976 making it the only foreign power to operate the aircraft. The Khatami Air Base was constructed specifically for the F-14 although poor relations between the US and Iran eventually led to an arms embargo being imposed, which cut off the supply of spare parts for the both the aircraft themselves and the potent AIM-54 Phoenix missiles they carry. It is estimated that less than 20 aircraft are still operational today.
Designed to carry the formidable long range AIM-54 Phoeni x missile, the Grumman F-14 Tomcat was first flown on December 21st, 1970. Made famous by the Hollywood film Top Gun, the F-14 replaced the F-4 Phantom II as the US Navy's primary maritime air superiority fighter. Its design includes a variable geometry wing that can sweep back for high speed supersonic intercepts and forward for improved positioning in air to air dogfights. Nicknamed "Bombcat," the F-14 spent much of its late career in an air-to-ground role, carrying the Low Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared for Night (LANTIRN) system.
