Calibre Wings 1:72 Aircraft CA721416 Grumman F-14A Tomcat Diecast Model USN VF-102 Diamondbacks, AB100, USS America. US Navy Fighter Squadron 102 (VF-102) Diamondbacks was established on July 1st, 1955 as NAS Jacksonville, Florida, flying the F2H Banshee. The squadron transitioned to the F-4 Phantom II in 1961, flying it for 20 years before upgrading to the F-14A Tomcat in 1981 and then the F-14B Tomcat in 1994. The squadron finally traded their F-14s for the F/A-18F Super Hornet in 2002. Please note: An optional display stand. Is available separately if you wish to display this model “in-flight”. Designed to carry the formidable long range AIM-54 Phoenix 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. Calibre Wings’ F-14s include many detailed features that set them apart from models from other manufacturers. Hinged/removable canopy with detailed crew figures. Interchangeble extended/retracted landing gear modules. Interchangeable open/closed engine nozzles. Calibre Wings 1:72 Aircraft. The Calibre Wings 1:72 range presents highly-detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft. Calibre Wings models are remarkably accurate replicas of their real life counterparts. They are constructed with a significant diecast metal content and include a wealth of features not typically found on other diecast models. Calibre Wings 1:72 diecast airplanes feature. Diecast metal construction with some plastic components. Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details. Pad printed markings and placards that won’t fade or peel like decals. Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors. Detailed pilot and crew figures. Selected moveable control surfaces. Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear. Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads. Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards. Many limited editions with numbered certificate of authenticity. Ever wondered how a modern diecast model is made? Check out this video from the Calibre Wings Youtube Channel.