Grumman F-14 Tomcat variant
Grumman F-14 Tomcat Super Tomcat 21 (ST-21)
A lower-cost alternative to the Navy Advanced Tactical Fighter: F110-GE-429 engines with vectoring nozzles, Mach 1.3 supercruise and an upgraded AN/APG-71 radar.
History
The Super Tomcat 21 was offered as a cheap alternative to the Navy Advanced Tactical Fighter programme and later as an interim aircraft for the A-X attack programme after the A-12 was cancelled. It would have kept essentially the shape and body of the Tomcat, with an upgraded AN/APG-71 radar. General Electric F110-GE-429 engines would have given it Mach 1.3 supercruise and thrust vectoring nozzles. The design included reshaped leading-edge gloves, increased fuel capacity and modified control surfaces for better take-off and a lower landing approach speed. It was to be rebuilt from existing F-14 airframes.