Tamiya #61122 1/48 Grumman F-14A Carrier Launch (Late)

Tamiya #61122 1/48 Grumman F-14A Carrier Launch (Late)

Fuselage length: 398mm. Image shows painted and assembled kit.

Ready for Take-Off!
The F-14 Tomcat is a legend of the skies, which served between 1973 and 2006 and - with powerful radar and long-range missiles - was developed for carrier-based units. Its most prolifically produced variant was the F-14A, which itself was given a number of upgrades throughout its production; late F-14As (those produced from the late 1980s) featured a more reliable engine design, and notably, the AN/AXX-1 TCS camera pod, plus the AN/ALQ-126 ECM antenna ahead of the wing gloves. Some even had alterations to the fuselage allowing installation of the TARPS reconnaissance pod. From the early 1990s, the aircraft was capable of mounting bombs on its belly; in conjunction with the AN/AAQ-25 LANTIRN pod, these were laser-guided - the F-14A had evolved into a multi-role fighter. Carrier launches required a steam catapult, to which the aircraft would be harnessed with its nose lowered, variable sweep wing forward, and flaps and slats down. Numerous flight deck crew would be engaged in the launch, including a "Shooter," who gave the signal for take-off.

About the Model
★This is a 1/48 scale plastic model assembly kit. Fuselage length: 398mm, wingspan: 408mm. ★Features dedicated parts to depict a late model F-14A rady for carrier launch, plus a paper flight deck sheet. ★Choose between two types of catapult spreader (shuttle). ★Durable wing spar components ensure secure fit. ★Late model features such as chin pod with camera, antenna and so on are depicted. ★Plenty of accessories are included: standard and laser-guided bombs, reconnaissance camera pod, and air-to-air missiles. ★Parts accurately depict late model ejector seats and instrumentation. ★Comes with 2 crew figures featuring late model standard flight uniform.
    
Packaging

★This kit includes everything you need to recreate the Tomcat in its inimitable pre-launch stance, with a recreation of the flight deck!    

★The Shooter is captured in highly realistic pose, giving the signal for the F-14A to begin its launch from the aircraft carrier.    

★Included in the kit is a 460mm x 276mm paper sheet with a detailed and realistic depiction of a carrier flight deck.

★Separate parts are employed to recreate the slats and flaps on the leading edge of the wings, for a highly realistic finish.    

★Decals are included in the kit to recreate the wear marks made when the variable sweep wing rubs on its fairing, for an extra layer of detail.    

★The kit features a one-piece recreation of the wing spar, which give durability and helps ensure that you get the wing angle spot on.

★Another late model F-14A feature captured in style is the AN/AXX-1 TCS camera pod installed on the underside of the aircraft's nose.    

★Included in the box are parts to accurately depict the shortened nose landing gear strut before launch, plus two types of catapult spreader.    

★The finished kit will make quite the impression, with its accurate depiction of an F-14A in its "crouching" stance before take-off.

★Slide molding techniques were used to ensure that the model's recreation of the "bubble" canopy is accurate.    

★Two different types of late type flight uniform are included, with visor guard-less helmets and other accessories.    

★Three types of nose-left gas purge panel for the 20mm gatling cannon are employed for various of the marking options.

★The fairing for the AN/ALQ-126 ECM antenna at the front of the wing glove underside is rendered faithfully.    

★Includes parts for air-to-air missiles, laser guided bombs, camera pod and more.    

★Two types of ejector seat are included, including the simple design (right) often seen on late model F-14As.

★Choose between two types of main landing gear wheel, which differ according to the marking option chosen.    

★Engine nozzles are depicted with afterburners deployed, and feature stunning interior detail.    

★Horizontal stabilizer move on their poly caps. The kit features dedicated airbag and sealing panel parts for a swept forward wing.

★Four marking options are provided, including for aircraft that downed enemy MiGs. Canopy masking stickers are also in the box.    

★A full color painting guide plus detailed four-language cover story leaflet rounds off this comprehensive kit.    

★This image shows dedicated parts for the late model F-14A. Leading edge slats and flaps are depicted down.

★A wealth of other dedicated parts include late model cockpit components, figures and more.    

★Different parts for consoles and panels are used, depending upon the aircraft depicted.