Huston flew as a RIO in many of the F-14 flight sequences in the 1980 movie The Final Countdown while touring with VF-84 on the USS Nimitz. An initial, interim, version just replaced the TF-30 with the new engine, retaining the original avionics.

The cockpit has two seats, arranged in tandem, outfitted with Martin-Baker GRU-7A rocket-propelled ejection seats, rated from zero altitude and zero airspeed up to 450 knots. The AIM-54A Phoenix active-radar air-to-air missile was upgraded with the AIM-54B (1983, limited use) and AIM-54C (1986) versions.It also included newer digital avionics systems including a glass cockpit and replaced the AWG-9 with the newer AN/APG-71 radar. The participation of the F-14 in the 1991 Operation Desert Storm consisted of Combat Air Patrol (CAP) over the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf and overland missions consisting of strike escort and reconnaissance. The flat area of the fuselage between the nacelles is used to contain fuel and avionics systems, such as the wing-sweep mechanism and flight controls, as well as weaponry since the wings are not used for carrying ordnance.

A total of 37 new aircraft were completed, and 18 F-14A models were upgraded to D-models, designated F-14D(R) for a rebuild. The official final flight retirement ceremony was on 22 September 2006 at Naval Air Station Oceana and was flown by Lt. In December 1980, an Iraqi MiG-21bis accounted for the only confirmed kill of an F-14 by that type of aircraft.

TARPS was primarily controlled by the Radar Intercept Officer (RIO) via an extra display for observing reconnaissance data. The TFX had adequate speed, range and payload for the FAD role, but was designed primarily as a fighter-bomber and interdictor that lacked the maneuverability and overall performance that the Navy expected. VF-103 Sluggers F-14a (1988) Model Relive flying one of the greatest Navy fighter jets in this carefully carved and painted F-14a model of the VF-103 Sluggers. On 10 December 2005, the F-14Ds of VF-31 and VF-213 were upgraded with a ROVER III downlink for transmitting images to a ground Forward Air Controller (FAC).

During his Navy career, Winnefeld deployed on the USS Constellation with VF-24 and the USS Ranger with VF-1 in the 1980s before becoming the commanding officer (CO) of VF-211.

Ground attack upgrades [ edit ] An F-14D launching an AIM-7 Sparrow; a GBU-10 Paveway II is also carried. VF-41 Black Aces F-14a Tomcat (1995) model Relive flying with VF-41 and the Black Aces in this handcrafted F-14A model. F-14 assembly and test flights were performed at Grumman's plant in Calverton on Long Island, New York.