"VAMPIRES" VX-9 F-14D TOMCAT

1st F-14D by Dragon Models!

This model features the striking all black livery with bat logo of the Air Test and Evaluation Squadron NINE "Vampires" based at Point Mugu, California.

Dragon 1/72 Armor (by Dragon Models) – This line features static pre-assembled, pre-painted models made of both diecast and plastic. Each item is fully detailed and historically accurate. Dragon 1:72 Diecast models are;
1. True to scale: Wheels, tracks, engines, hull accoutrements ... Dragon Armor are 100% true-to-scale -- these don't look like "model tanks", these look like TANKS!
2. Authentically detailed: Dragon Armor tanks are carefully researched for maximum authenticity in detailing ... color, camouflage, unit markings, and all the other little things which mark the difference between an authentic scale model and a "toy". Dragon Armor looks REAL!
3. Fully assembled: Each Dragon Armor tank comes fully-assembled and ready for display ... no glue, no paint, no worry about mistakes. An instant display piece or diorama centerpiece straight from the box!
4. Diecast Metal: This series is almost completely all METAL! Plastic is fine, but NOTHING re-creates the authentic appearance of real armor like METAL! Each Dragon Armor tank is made from high-quality DIE-CAST METAL ... giving the proper weight and surface finish of the REAL THING -- and each with its own protective DISPLAY CASE!

Scale:  1:72
Box Size: 10.2"x 10.2"x 3.1"

Item Number:  DRW50185                                                                                                                                                        Price:  $39.95

Main Features:
- Working "Variable Sweep" wings!
- 1/72 Authentic Scale
- Accurate F-14D mold approved by Northrop Grumman
- High quality diecast metal
- Historically accurate
- Removable missiles
- Detailed cockpit
- Opening canopy
- Moveable flight control surfaces
- Engraved panel lines
- Ready for display
- Display in flight or in landing mode (stand included)
- Approximate dimensions: 10.3"L x 10.7"W (unswept) x 6.3"W (swept) x 2.7"H

About the VX-9 "Vampires":
The VX-9 “Vampires” are otherwise known as Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Nine. The squadron conducts operational testing of various aircraft and weapon systems in order to develop appropriate tactics and procedures. The unit also maintains a permanent F-14 Tomcat detachment at Point Mugu in California.

As of 2000, VX-9 had 67 officers, 350 enlisted personnel and 28 aircraft including the FA-18E/F Super Hornet, FA-18 Hornet, F-14 Tomcat, EA-6B Prowler, AV-8B Harrier, and AH-1 Cobra. Typically, aircrews are qualified in more than one of these aircraft types, increasing their versatility and providing broader based expertise to be applied to each project. VX-9's mission has grown to include the operational evaluation of attack, fighter, and electronic warfare aircraft, weapons systems and equipment, and to develop tactical procedures for their employment.

About the F-14D Tomcat:
The Grumman F-14 Tomcat is a United States Navy supersonic, twin-engine, variable sweep wing, two-seat strike fighter. The Tomcat's primary missions are air superiority, fleet air defense, and precision strike against ground targets.

To facilitate early introduction of the F-14 into service the first version of the aircraft was planned using the engine and weapons system technology from the F-111B, and then, progressively introduce new engines and a new weapons system into the F-14 new airframe. Thus, the designation F-14A was assigned to the new aircraft equipped with updated TF-30 engines and the AN/AWG-9 weapons system from the F-111B. A F-14B was planned to follow using the engine from the advanced technology engine competition. Then, the 'B' would be followed by the F-14C with a new weapons system replacing the AN/AWG-9. In the event, the AN/AWG-9 replacement was delayed and when it arrived, as the AN/APG-71, the designation assigned to the new aircraft was F-14D. The F-14C, thus, was never produced.