What-If?!? RAAF F-14 Tomcat

Model: What-If?!? RAAF F-14 Tomcat
Modeller’s Name: Jamie McDonald
Scale: 1/48
Debut: 2016/06
Brand: Academy #NFI
Build Time: NFI Hours

Model Description

Comments

“F-14E Tomcat – 75 Squadron, RAAF Base Tindal 1994
In 1992 the RAAF belatedly realised that, without the employment of large numbers of aerial tanker, the FA-18 Hornet did not have enough ‘legs’ for the vast distances involved to protect Australian air space from the emerging Indonesian threat (after the 1987 coupe installed the new government).
Therefore, a request was placed with the US government for the sale of 26 re-furbished/re-sparred F-14 Tomcats. The opportunity was taken to replace the troublesome and underpowered 20,000lb thrust TF30-P-412A with the 25,000lb thrust TF30-P-100 as used in the F111F.
This was the only version of the Tomcat powered by this engine, and thus earned the RAAF aircraft the designation F-14E.
The 26 aircraft were divided equally between 75 Sqd. RAAF Base Tindal, N.T. and 76 Sqd. (recently re-formed) RAAF Base Curtin, Derby, W.A.
This particular aircraft is equipped for the extreme long range air intercept role, caring 2 x 280 gallon drop tanks and 4 AIM-54 Phoenix air-to-air missiles (range @ 190km). At $500,000+ a piece, it was widely speculated that only around 16 AIM-54 missiles were ever actually held in stock!

“I like the shield…..at least, the wording on the shield!!….RjT