The F-14 Tomcat – 5 reasons why you need it

In fact, the F-14 cannot be denied its special aesthetics. The plane looks like a mighty steely eagle that swoops down fiercely on its helpless prey. The massive construction with the pivoting wings, the huge jet turbines and the menacing missile armament creates a very special feeling just looking at the plane.

Anyone who finally takes off from an aircraft carrier with a catapult launch for the first time, has Danger Zone in their ears and shortly afterwards turns MIGs left and right into helplessly spinning, burning wrecks, will certainly not regret having unlocked this wonderful aircraft!

Reason 2 – She has achieved impressive performance in real life

What are the great achievements of the F-14? Since there were never any major direct military engagements between the Soviet Union and NATO, the F-14 was never required to perform its proper role as a fleet defender.

However, the aircraft was used in conflicts such as the two Iraq wars and in the conflicts with Libya in the 80s, where it was rarely able to show its full strength.

Curiously, where the F-14 was allowed to really get going was on the side of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Because even under the rule of the US-loyal Shah, several F-14 and a lot of Phoenix guided missiles were delivered to Iran.

When the Shah was overthrown shortly afterwards by the Islamic Revolution, the new regime also took over the stocks of the F-14. They were also used shortly afterwards when neighboring Iraq attacked Iran in 1980. But the Iraqis’ Soviet and French aircraft were inferior to the Iranian F-14.

As a result, the Iranian Air Force was able to shoot down a total of 152 enemy planes and helicopters, although 18 hits could not be officially confirmed. Incidentally, the most successful F-14 pilot of all time was the later Iranian Brigadier General Jalil Zandi, who had a total of 8 confirmed and 3 unconfirmed kills.

Reason 3 – It is an excellent fighter plane in the game

F-14, what can you actually do? The F-14A is the first generation 4 fighter in War Thunder. That means it’s a jet fighter that, contrary to 3rd generation doctrine, is quite capable of dogfighting.

This is all the more impressive given that the F-14 is truly massive. The aircraft is significantly larger, heavier and more expansive than most previous generation jets. Nonetheless, it performs well in corner combat and is more maneuverable than you might think.

However, their great strength lies in the so-called “energy struggle”. This means swooping down on your victim from a great height like a raging eagle, attacking them with the deadly 20mm cannon or missiles, shooting them to bits and then fleeing again at high speed, gaining altitude and the whole game starts over.

The F-14 comes with an impressive arsenal of missiles. You can attach missiles to up to 8 hardpoints for every combat situation: Sidewinders for close combat, Sparrows for medium ranges and the brand new Phoenix missiles for targets at extreme distances.

Reason 4 – She can use the new long-range missiles

What are these Phoenix things anyway? An important intended use of the F-14 was its role as a carrier platform for the newly developed AIM-54 Phoenix.

This long-range air-to-air missile has an active steering wheel and is therefore the first “FOX-3” missile that you get in War Thunder. This NATO designation refers to the launching of such active radar-guided missiles.

In the game, the Phoenix has absurd ranges of up to 150 kilometers. At this distance, however, you have to use your fire control radar to acquire the target yourself.