The Eagle’s AIM-7 Sparrow missile was significantly less powerful than the Phoenix missile system. Research revealed that 170 F-14 Tomcats could equal 290 F-15 Eagles in terms of defense
The development of Soviet long-range patrol and bomber aircraft during the Cold War required a fleet defense fighter capable of engaging high-altitude bombers that were well beyond visual range. Grumman’s response was the famous F-14 Tomcat. Equipped with the long-range AIM-54 Phoenix air-to-air missiles, F-14s were able to engage enemy targets more than 90 miles away. Grumman created the F-14’s highly effective variable-sweep wing, which allowed it to fly at a variety of airspeeds, in response to the need for an interceptor able to go at a high speed while carrying this heavy armament.
Following Grumman’s tradition of naming its aircraft after cats, the new “Tomcat” flew for the first time in December 1970. The first F-14As were delivered to the Navy in June 1972 after a series of modifications during flight testing, with Fighter Squadron (VF) 124 assigned to crew training.
In the same year, the F-14 was also offered to the US Air Force, as the photos in this post show.
The interesting photos in this post, taken at the Grumman Calverton test facility in the summer of 1972, depict the mock-up of the so-called “ADCOM F-14,” which Grumman built in response to a proposal from the US Air Force (USAF) to replace the Convair F-106 Delta Dart as an interceptor for the Aerospace Defense Command (ADCOM) in the 1970s. Note the presence of the Aerospace Defense Command livery and emblem on the tail, as well as the mock “Buzz Code.”
In response to this requirement, Grumman created another version of the F-14B Tomcat Interceptor, of which a single mock-up was produced in 1972. The project quickly fizzled out due to a lack of interest, despite the upgrades, including adjustments to the missile launchers and an increase in internal fuel capacity.
The USAF tested the F-14, but the USAF opted to purchase more F-15 Eagles. As told by David F. Brown in his book Tomcat Alley: A Photographic Roll Call of the Grumman F-14 Tomcat, when comparing the air defense capabilities of both, the purchase of the F-15 seemed foolish. The Phoenix missile system alone was far more capable than the Eagle’s AIM-7 Sparrow. Studies indicated 170 Tomcats could provide the same level of defense as 290 F-15 Eagles. General Daniel `Chappie’ James, the former Commander of NORAD, personally evaluated the Tomcat. He recommended that it be purchased by the USAF.
After testing the F-14, the USAF decided to buy more F-15 Eagles. According to David F. Brown’s narrative in Tomcat Alley: A Photographic Roll Call of the Grumman F-14 Tomcat, the F-15 acquisition seems senseless when comparing their air defense capability. The Phoenix missile system was significantly more powerful than the AIM-7 Sparrow aboard the Eagle. Research showed that 170 Tomcats could defend at the same level as 290 F-15 Eagles. The Tomcat was assessed in person by former NORAD Commander General Daniel “Chappie” James, who recommended that the USAF buy it.
Today, it is the F-15 Eagle that guards the sky over the continental United States; the F-14 was defeated by interservice rivalry, by politics, and… its high cost.
Tomcat Alley: A Photographic Roll Call of the Grumman F-14 Tomcat is published by Schiffer Military and is available to order here.
Photo by U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy