Designed as a high-performance fleet air defense interceptor with an unparalleled long-range kill capability, the Grumman F-14 Tomcat features the large and powerful AWG-9 radar matched to the world's longest-ranged air-to-air missile (AAM), the Phoenix, six of which can be fired and simultaneously guided toward separate targets at ranges exceeding 100 miles. The AWG-9 is complex enough to require a second crewman to operate it while the pilot concentrates on flying the aircraft. The Tomcat is an agile dogfighter, but suffers from underpowered engines. Made famous by the hit movie "Top Gun", the F-14 has been operational since 1974. Several were sold to Iran, but due to the poor condition of the Iranian Air Force, few are likely to be operational today.
