The F-14 Tomcat Had F-22-Like Air Speed – Retired Too Early?

By Kris Osborn, President, Center for Military Modernization

The famous 2-seater F-14 Tomcat has found a permanent resting place in the hearts and minds of US Navy personnel and countless other aviation enthusiasts. The airframe became known for its advanced speed and dogfighting ability. 

Not only did the aircraft achieve Top Gun fame, but it is also known for going through an evolutionary process, resulting in a highly capable jet.

A lesser-known ability of the F-14 is its incredible Mach 2.3 speed, which places it alongside the F-22 as the fastest US fighter jet ever. 

As a two-seat fighter jet, the aircraft became known for its air-to-air prowess, given that several sets of eyes could monitor relevant targets, enemy maneuvers, and overall combat-zone awareness.

While in flight, a pilot focuses on vectoring and locking in targets for the jet’s weapons; an aviator can simultaneously track additional targets, surveil the surrounding area with additional line-of-sight observations, and offer time-sensitive constructive input and instruction to the pilot.

The presence of the aviator lowered the cognitive burden placed upon pilots and allowed for a more focused air combat platform. 

F-14: Retired Too Early? 

Given its speed, carrier-launch ability, and overall performance parameters, some might be inclined to question whether the aircraft was retired too soon? Could it be brought back? Would that make any strategic and tactical sense?