A report on Grumman F-14 Tomcat and Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet

A U.S. Navy F-14D conducts a mission over the Persian Gulf-region in 2005.
U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet
A U.S. Navy F-14D conducts a mission over the Persian Gulf region in 2005.
U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet
The F-111B was designed to fulfill the carrier-based interceptor role, but had weight and performance problems, and was not suited to the types of aerial combat that were predominant over Vietnam
VFA-143 "Pukin Dogs" F-14B and F/A-18E in 2005
Grumman's VFX entry was designed around the TF30 engine, AWG-9 radar and AIM-54 missile intended for the F-111B; this eventually became the F-14A
F/A-18F Super Hornet (left) and a F/A-18A Hornet (right)
VFA-143 "Pukin Dogs" F-14B and F/A-18E Super Hornet in 2005
Four F/A-18Fs of VFA-41 "Black Aces" in a trail formation. The first and third aircraft have AN/ASQ-228 ATFLIR pods, and the last aircraft has a buddy store tank
An F-14D launching an AIM-7 Sparrow; a GBU-10 Paveway II is also carried.
An F/A-18F Super Hornet named "Green Hornet", during a supersonic test flight in 2010.
An F-14D(R) from VF-213 flying over Iraq on last Tomcat deployment with LANTIRN pod on starboard wing glove station and LGB underneath fuselage.
An F/A-18F refueling an F/A-18E over the Bay of Bengal, 2007
F-14 Tomcat with wings in asymmetric sweep during testing for this possible in-flight malfunction
Oval Hornet air intakes vs Rectangular Super Hornet intake ramp
Rear view of the F-14 showing the area between the engine nacelles
The Super Hornet's S-duct-like air intake partially conceals engine blades from radar waves
An F-14D prepares to refuel with probe extended.
Two U.S. Navy F/A-18E Super Hornets fly a combat patrol over Afghanistan in 2008. The aircraft in the background is deploying infra-red flares
F-14 with landing gear deployed
Aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), a mechanic performs system checks from the cockpit of a U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet with three multifunction displays.
F-14 Tomcat carrying an AIM-120 AMRAAM during a 1982 test.
F/A-18E Super Hornet launching from the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72)
Two Iranian Tomcats equipped with multiple missiles, circa 1986, in the midst of a project to adapt I-Hawk surface-to-air missiles for F-14s
F/A-18F being refueled over Afghanistan in 2009
An F-14A of VF-84 Jolly Rogers, in a 1970s color scheme
An F-111C (at left) with one of the RAAF's first two F/A-18Fs.
An F-14A from VF-114 intercepting a Soviet Tu-95RT "Bear-D" maritime reconnaissance aircraft.
An RAAF F/A-18F shortly after it first arrived in Australia
An F-14A of VF-32 during Operation Desert Storm with a KC-135 Stratotanker and two EA-6B Prowlers in the background
A RAAF Super Hornet at the 2019 Brisbane Festival
A Navy F-14D flying over the skies of Afghanistan on a precision bombing mission in November 2001.
F/A-18F Super Hornet taxis to the runway for takeoff at Aero India 2011
The last F-14 launch from a carrier, USS Theodore Roosevelt on 28 July 2006
An F/A-18F breaking the sound barrier.
Iranian ace Jalil Zandi is credited with shooting down 11 Iraqi aircraft during the Iran–Iraq War, making him the highest scoring F-14 pilot.
F/A-18E/F Super Hornet operators 2010
Formation flight of Iranian Tomcats, 2008
A VFA-11 F/A-18F Super Hornet performing evasive maneuvers during an air power demonstration
Close-up view of the distinctive afterburner petals of the GE F110 engine
A VFA-122 F/A-18F pulling a high-g maneuver at the NAS Oceana "In Pursuit of Liberty" air show, 2004
An upgraded F-14D(R) Tomcat with the ROVER transmit antenna circled with USS Theodore Roosevelt in the background
U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet
Grumman's proposed F-14 Interceptor for USAF Aerospace Defense Command in 1972 with the simulated "Buzz Code" and Aerospace Defense Command livery and emblem on the tail
Super Hornets prepare for a catapult assisted launch on the USS Enterprise
F-14 Tomcat operators as of 2014 (former operators in red)
Three view projection of the Super Hornet
An IRIAF F-14 Tomcat landing at Mehrabad, Iran.
F/A-18F at landing on USS John C. Stennis
F-14A Tomcat of NFWS (TOPGUN) NAS Miramar c. 1993
An F/A-18F parked on the flight deck of aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69), as the ship operates in the Arabian Sea, December 2006
Front view of an F-14A at Yokota Air Base, Tokyo, Japan, 2003
F-14A BuNo 162689 at the USS Hornet Museum in Alameda, California, 2009
An F-14A on display at Grumman Memorial Park in New York
F-14A BuNo 160661 on display at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center's Aviation Challenge facility in Huntsville, Alabama, 2009
YF-14A at the Cradle of Aviation Museum
F-14B at the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum
F-14A of VF-84 "Jolly Rogers" at the Museum of Flight
Grumman F-14 Tomcat drawings
F-14A of VF 111 "Sundowners" (USS Carl Vinson)
F-14B from the VF-211 Fighting Checkmates carrying six AIM-54 Phoenix missiles.
Tomcat logo

The Super Hornet entered fleet service with the United States Navy in 1999, replacing the Grumman F-14 Tomcat, which was retired in 2006; the Super Hornet has served alongside the original Hornet.

- Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet

The Tomcat was retired by U.S. Navy on 22 September 2006, having been supplanted by the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.

- Grumman F-14 Tomcat
A U.S. Navy F-14D conducts a mission over the Persian Gulf-region in 2005.

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A U.S. Navy F/A-18C in flight

McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet

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Twin-engine, supersonic, all-weather, carrier-capable, multirole combat jet, designed as both a fighter and attack aircraft .

Twin-engine, supersonic, all-weather, carrier-capable, multirole combat jet, designed as both a fighter and attack aircraft .

A U.S. Navy F/A-18C in flight
A U.S. Navy F/A-18C in flight
YF-16 and YF-17 prototypes being tested by the U.S. Air Force
The Northrop YF-17 Cobra was developed into the carrier-capable F/A-18.
First preproduction F-18A in October 1978
US Navy F/A-18C during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2002
F/A-18C Hornet performing a high-g pull-up. The high angle of attack causes powerful vortices to form at the leading edge extensions.
F/A-18C Hornet in transonic flight producing flow-induced vapor cone
Exhaust nozzles of an RAAF F/A-18
An F/A-18A Hornet from VFA-132 Privateers in flight, circa 1985
Blue Angels' No. 6 F/A-18A
NF101, an F/A-18A Hornet assigned to VFA-195 Dambusters aboard the USS Midway, CV-41 in the 1991 Gulf War.
F/A-18C of VFA-192 taking off from USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) in 2005
Three RAAF F/A-18As in 2013
Canadian CF-188A Hornet off Hawaii. Note the "false cockpit" on the underside of the aircraft for confusing enemy pilots during dogfights.
Finnish Air Force F/A-18 at Rissala Airport
An F/A-18 of the Kuwaiti Air Force
RMAF F/A-18D returning to base after a national day flypast
EF-18 A taking off and banking to the left on 2015
Hugo Wolf F/A-18C full-scale training simulator, X-5099
Swiss Air Force Hornet F/A-18C at RIAT 2019
An F/A-18B Hornet assigned to the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School
A Marine F/A-18D of VMFAT-101 prepares for takeoff
A VFA-11 F/A-18F Super Hornet performing evasive maneuvers during an air power demonstration above USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75)
X-53, NASA's modified F/A-18
F/A-18C of the Swiss Air Force taxis for takeoff
F/A-18 operators are in blue
Royal Malaysian Air Force Boeing F/A-18 Hornet during Cope Taufan 2012
U.S. Navy F/A-18C from VFA-131 launches from French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle off the Virginia Capes.
F/A-18A Hornets in various color schemes
F/A-18B Hornets in various color schemes
An F/A-18A Hornet on display at the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum.
F/A-18A on display at the Air Zoo
3-view drawing of the F/A-18 Hornet
VX-4 F/A-18 with ten AIM-120 AMRAAMs and two AIM-9 Sidewinders
M61 Vulcan on display at Miramar Airshow
An US Marine Corps F/A-18C of VMFA-323, launches off the flight deck of the USS Nimitz.
Marines perform maintenance on an F/A-18D of VMFA-242

Its versatility and reliability have proven it to be a valuable carrier asset, though it has been criticized for its lack of range and payload compared to its earlier contemporaries, such as the Grumman F-14 Tomcat in the fighter and strike fighter role, and the Grumman A-6 Intruder and LTV A-7 Corsair II in the attack role.

The F/A-18 Hornet served as the baseline for the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, its larger, evolutionary redesign.

KA-6D Intruder of Attack Squadron 34 (VA-34 "Blue Blasters")

Grumman A-6 Intruder

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American twinjet all-weather attack aircraft developed and manufactured by American aircraft company Grumman Aerospace and operated by the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps.

American twinjet all-weather attack aircraft developed and manufactured by American aircraft company Grumman Aerospace and operated by the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps.

KA-6D Intruder of Attack Squadron 34 (VA-34 "Blue Blasters")
KA-6D Intruder of Attack Squadron 34 (VA-34 "Blue Blasters")
YA2F-1 showing the original tilting tailpipes
An A-6E landing on the aircraft carrier USS America (CV-66), showing the split airbrakes on the tips of its left wing
An A-6E Intruder aircraft assigned to USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69).
S-3A Viking, A-6E Intruder, and an EA-6B Prowler aircraft are parked on the flight deck of aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) during a storm.
A U.S. Marine Corps A-6 Intruder destroyed by a rocket and mortar bombardment on Da Nang Air Base in 1968 during the Vietnam War
An A-6E Intruder prepares for launch aboard USS Enterprise (CVN-65)
A-6A of VMA (AW)-242 in 1975
A-6B on the USS Saratoga (CV-60) in 1971
A-6C of VA-35 Black Panthers
A KA-6D refueling an F-14A in 1987
An A-6E SWIP Intruder of VA-34 flying over Spain during Exercise Matador.
Final VA-34 A-6E SWIP Intruder launch from the flight deck of USS George Washington (CVN-73), 1996.
Norden AN/APQ-148 Radar
A-6F prototype in 1987
US Marine Corps EA-6A Intruder electronics aircraft of VMCJ-2 Playboys aboard USS America in 1974 during a visit to Scotland.
A-6E Intruder of VA-52, 1981
A Grumman A-6 Intruder on display at Grumman Memorial Park
An A-6 Intruder on display at the Udvar-Hazy Center.
An A-6F Intruder prototype on display at the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum, New York City
An A-6E Intruder on display at Patuxent River Naval Air Museum
Orthographic projection of an A-6 Intruder
A-6 ordnance, 1962

Thus, when the A-6E was scheduled for retirement, its precision strike mission was initially taken over by the Grumman F-14 Tomcat equipped with a LANTIRN pod.

The Intruder remained in service for a few more years before being retired in favor of the LANTIRN-equipped F-14D Tomcat, which was in turn replaced by the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet in the U.S. Navy and the twin-seat F/A-18D Hornet in the U.S. Marine Corps.

A U.S. Air Force-owned F-35A

Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II

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American family of single-seat, single-engine, all-weather stealth multirole combat aircraft that is intended to perform both air superiority and strike missions.

American family of single-seat, single-engine, all-weather stealth multirole combat aircraft that is intended to perform both air superiority and strike missions.

A U.S. Air Force-owned F-35A
A U.S. Air Force F-35A off the coast of Florida.
X-35B flying over Edwards Air Force Base
An F-35 wind tunnel testing model in 16 ft transonic wind tunnel at the Arnold Engineering Development Center
The first F-35A prototype, AA-1, being towed to its inauguration ceremony on 7 July 2006.
USAF F-35A at RAF Fairford for RIAT 2018
Two USAF F-35As and two French Dassault Rafales break formation during a flight over France.
(From the top) F-35A of the 33rd FW, F-35B of VMFAT-501 and F-35C of VFA-101 near Eglin AFB, 2014
Electro-optical target system (EOTS) under the nose of an F-35
AN/APG-81 AESA radar antenna
Note the sawtooth design on the landing gear door and access panels
F-35 cockpit simulator
The F-35's helmet-mounted display system
F-35A with all weapon bay doors open
Illustration of the STOVL swivel nozzle, lift fan, and roll-control posts
The first delivered USAF F-35 on its delivery flight to Eglin AFB, July 2011
An F-35B launches off the ski-jump of HMS Queen Elizabeth, 2018
A F/A-18E Super Hornet (left) provides aerial refueling to a USMC F-35B
F-35B ZM148 of No. 617 Squadron landing on HMS Queen Elizabeth, 2019
An RAAF F-35A at the 2019 Australian International Airshow in Avalon, Victoria
The F-35I Adir (accompanied by a 253 Squadron F-16I Sufa) on its debut flight in Israel, December 2016
First Norwegian F-35 Lightning II at Luke Air Force Base
One of the RAAF's first two F-35As in December 2014
On 3 October 2021, the first F-35Bs performed landings and take-offs from JS Izumo
First four RAF F-35Bs on a delivery flight to RAF Marham, June 2018
USN F-35C performs a touch-and-go landing aboard {{USS|Abraham Lincoln|CVN-72|6|undefined
F-35A 3-view drawing
F-35B cutaway with lift fan
A pair of F-35Cs and F/A-18E/Fs fly over NAS Fallon, home of TOPGUN, in September 2015.

In the same year, the termination of the Naval Advanced Tactical Fighter (NATF), an offshoot of USAF's Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) program to replace the F-14, resulted in additional fighter capability being added to A-X, which was then renamed A/F-X.

Australia decided to buy the F/A-18F Super Hornet in 2006 and the EA-18G Growler in 2013 as interim measures.

Emblem of the United States Navy

United States Navy

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Maritime service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the eight uniformed services of the United States.

Maritime service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the eight uniformed services of the United States.

Emblem of the United States Navy
USS Constellation vs L'Insurgente during the Quasi-War
USS Constitution vs HMS Guerriere during the War of 1812
A carte de visite of a U.S. Navy lieutenant during the Civil War
The Great White Fleet demonstrating U.S. naval power in 1907; it was proof that the U.S. Navy had blue-water capability.
Columbia, personification of the United States, wearing a warship bearing the words "World Power" as her "Easter bonnet" on the cover of Puck, 6 April 1901
Battleship USS Idaho (BB-42) shelling Okinawa on 1 April 1945.
USS George Washington (SSBN-598), a ballistic missile submarine
U.S. Navy officers aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) monitor defense systems during early 2010s maritime security operations exercises
U.S. Navy patrol boat near Kuwait Naval Base in 2009
The amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA-6), launched in 2012.
Organization of the United States Navy within the Department of Defense
Simplified flowchart of the U.S. Navy command structure
Areas of responsibility for each of the United States Navy fleets. Tenth Fleet serves as the numbered fleet for U.S. Fleet Cyber Command and therefore is not shown.
USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) docking at the U.S. Navy base in Yokosuka, Japan
A Marine F/A-18 from VMFA-451 preparing to launch from USS Coral Sea (CV-43)
A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter preparing to land on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD-1)
Navy SEALs at one of the entrances to the Zhawar Kili cave complex
U.S. Navy warrant officer specialty insignias
Map of naval bases in the United States
Underwater Demolition Team members using the casting technique from a speeding boat
Combat Camera Underwater Photo Team – A U.S. Navy diver during underwater photography training off the coast of Guantanamo Bay
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USS Nimitz, a
USS Bataan (LHD-5), a
USS San Antonio (LPD-17), a
USS Port Royal (CG-73), a
USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000), a Zumwalt-class stealth guided missile destroyer
USS Independence (LCS-2), a Littoral combat ship
USS Freedom (LCS-1) underway in special naval camouflage
USS Warrior (MCM-10) in port
USS Typhoon (PC-5) departing Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek in Virginia
USS Kentucky (SSBN-737), an ballistic missile submarine
USS Virginia (SSN-774), a attack submarine
Four Navy F/A-18F Super Hornets
U.S. Navy MH-60R maritime strike helicopter assigned to the HSM-78 Blue Hawks aboard the carrier USS Carl Vinson
Aviation Ordnancemen loading GBU-12 bombs in 2005
U.S. naval jack
First navy jack
Naval Aviator Badge
Submarine Officer badge
Surface Warfare Officer Insignia

Navy aircraft also played a significant role in conflicts during the following Cold War years, with the F-4 Phantom II and the F-14 Tomcat becoming military icons of the era.

The navy's current primary fighter-attack airplane is the multi-mission F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.

AN/ALR-67 radar warning receiver

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Designed to warn an aircraft's crew of potentially hostile radar activity.

Designed to warn an aircraft's crew of potentially hostile radar activity.

The AN/ALR-67 countermeasures warning and control system is the standard threat warning system for tactical aircraft and was specifically designed for the A-6E/SWIP, AV-8B, F-14B, F-14D and F/A-18.

In August 1999, Raytheon was awarded an initial contract for full-rate production of the AN/ALR-67(V)3 for the U.S. Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, totalling 34 complete installations, together with 40 spare quadrant receivers and five countermeasures receivers.

GBU-31: A Mk84 bomb fitted with JDAM kit

Joint Direct Attack Munition

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Guidance kit that converts unguided bombs, or "dumb bombs", into all-weather precision-guided munitions.

Guidance kit that converts unguided bombs, or "dumb bombs", into all-weather precision-guided munitions.

GBU-31: A Mk84 bomb fitted with JDAM kit
U.S. Navy sailors attach a JDAM kit aboard the USS Constellation (CV-64), in March 2003.
The first flight test of the first GPS-guided weapon resulted in a direct hit on a target at Eglin Air Force Base on 10 February 1993.
Ex-Schenectady (LST-1185) lists after being struck by four 2,000-pound JDAMs on 23 November 2004.
JDAMs loaded under the left wing of an F-16 Fighting Falcon with a LITENING II Targeting Pod visible beneath the fuselage
JDAMs prior to being loaded for operations over Iraq, 2003
GBU-38 explosions in Iraq in 2008.
DSU-33 Airburst sensor (right)
GBU-54 laser seeker.
JDAMs loaded onto a Heavy Stores Adaptor Beam (HSAB) under the wing of a B-52H Stratofortress
2,000lb GBU-31s ripple drop in Afghanistan by two F-15Es, 2009.
Map with JDAM operators in blue
USAF artist rendering of JDAM kits fitted to Mk 84, BLU-109, Mk 83, and Mk 82 unguided bombs.

F/A-18E/F Super Hornet

F-14B/D Tomcat – retired

VFA-41 insignia

VFA-41

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VFA-41 insignia
VF-41 F-4J on USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CV-42)
Fast Eagle 102, one of the F-14 Tomcats involved in the Gulf of Sidra incident, on the deck of USS Nimitz (CVN-68)
VFA-41 F/A-18F over Afghanistan

Strike Fighter Squadron 41 (VFA-41) also known as the "Black Aces", is a United States Navy strike fighter squadron based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, flying the F/A-18F Super Hornet.

In April 1976 VF-41 transitioned to the F-14A Tomcat and their first cruise began in September 1977 as part of CVW-8 on USS Nimitz (CVN-68).

VFA-14 (U.S. Navy)

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The Strike Fighter Squadron 14 (VFA-14) "Tophatters" are a United States Navy fighter attack squadron based at Naval Air Station Lemoore.

The Strike Fighter Squadron 14 (VFA-14) "Tophatters" are a United States Navy fighter attack squadron based at Naval Air Station Lemoore.

VB-4 SB2C-5s in 1947
A VF-14 F-3B on the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CV-42), in 1962–63
VF-14 F-4B landing on USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) in 1968
VF-14 F-14A in 1975
VF-14 F-14s overfly during 1990 dual carrier operations near Puerto Rico
VF-14 F-14 tail markings
VFA-14 F/A-18Es aboard USS Nimitz (CVN-68)
VF-14 F-14s overfly during 1990 dual carrier operations near Puerto Rico

They fly the F/A-18E Super Hornet, and are the Navy's oldest active squadron, having formed in 1919.

In January 1974, after four Mediterranean deployments, the squadron transitioned to the Navy's newest fighter, the F-14A Tomcat at NAS Miramar and was teamed with VF-32 as the first two Tomcat squadrons to arrive at NAS Oceana.

An unmounted M61A1 Vulcan with flash suppressor used in the SUU-16/A gun pod

M61 Vulcan

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Hydraulically, electrically or pneumatically driven, six-barrel, air-cooled, electrically fired Gatling-style rotary cannon which fires 20 mm rounds at an extremely high rate .

Hydraulically, electrically or pneumatically driven, six-barrel, air-cooled, electrically fired Gatling-style rotary cannon which fires 20 mm rounds at an extremely high rate .

An unmounted M61A1 Vulcan with flash suppressor used in the SUU-16/A gun pod
An M61 Vulcan and the feed system for an F/A-18, on a stand.
Gun installation on West German F-104
The M61 mounted on a US Army M163 armored vehicle.
An M61 Vulcan at the Miramar Airshow.
An M61 ammunition belt.
M61 on display.
M61 Vulcan on display
PGU-27 AB training rounds, Brussels 2015.

The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet also uses this version.

It was also adopted as standard in the "teen"-series air superiority fighters, the Grumman F-14 Tomcat, the McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle, General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon and McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet.

An artist's concept of the A-12 Avenger II

McDonnell Douglas A-12 Avenger II

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Proposed American attack aircraft from McDonnell Douglas and General Dynamics.

Proposed American attack aircraft from McDonnell Douglas and General Dynamics.

An artist's concept of the A-12 Avenger II
An artist's concept of the A-12 Avenger II
An artist's impression of the A-12 Avenger II in flight
Various views of the A-12 as designed
A top view of A-12 vs. F-14 (wings spread) and A-6 (wings folded)
An A-12 Avenger II model on display at the Frontiers of Flight Museum

After the cancellation of the A-12, the Navy elected to purchase the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, which went on to replace the A-6 Intruder and the F-14 Tomcat.