The functions that the US Navy built the F-14 Tomcat for—aerial interception of Soviet fighter jets—became irrelevant after the Cold War ended.

The Grumman F-14 Tomcat is probably the most recognizable fighter jet from the 20th century thanks to 1986's "Top Gun," starring Tom Cruise. The general public got to see the jet's variable sweep wing ...

Utilized during the Cold War, the Grumman F-14 Tomcat was a reliable and highly effective defense fighter jet. Thanks to its weapons systems and variable-sweep wing design, the two-engine Tomcat had ...

Thus far, the F-14 Tomcat’s primary role—fleet air defense—has yet to be fully replicated by any of its successors. In September 2006, the United States lost its need for speed. That was the year that ...