The Best Place to Find a Grumman F-14 Tomcat for Sale

Are you looking for an F 14 Tomcat for sale? You're in the right place – our comprehensive guide covers finding reliable sources, what to look for when shopping for an F-14, and more.

The Grumman F-14 Tomcat

The Grumman F-14 Tomcat is an American carrier-capable supersonic, twin-engine, two-seat, twin-tail, variable-sweep wing fighter aircraft. The Tomcat was developed for the United States Navy's Naval Fighter Experimental (VFX) program after the General Dynamics-Grumman F-111B project collapsed. A large and well-equipped fighter, the F-14 was the first American Teen Series fighter, designed to incorporate air combat experience against MiG fighters during the Vietnam War.

The F-14 flew on 21 December 1970 and made its first deployment in 1974 with the U.S. Navy aboard USS Enterprise (CVN-65), replacing the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II. The F-14 served as the U.S. Navy's primary maritime air superiority fighter, fleet defence interceptor, and tactical aerial reconnaissance platform into the 2000s. The Low Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared for Night (LANTIRN) pod system was added in the 1990s, and the Tomcat began performing precision ground-attack missions.

The Tomcat was retired by U.S. Navy on 22 September 2006, supplanted by the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. Several retired F-14s have been put on display across the U.S.

Having been exported to Iran under the Pahlavi dynasty in 1976, F-14s were used as land-based interceptors by the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force during the Iran–Iraq War. Iran claimed their F-14s shot down at least 160 Iraqi aircraft during the war (only 55 confirmed, according to historian Tom Cooper). At the same time, 16 Tomcats were lost, including seven losses to accidents. As of 2022, the F-14 remains in service with Iran's air force, despite low numbers of combat-ready aircraft due to a lack of spare parts.

Research the Availability of F-14 Tomcats.

Before you start your search for an F-14 Tomcat, it's essential to do some research first. You can use online resources to get a better idea of the availability of these planes, as well as current asking prices and any associated regulations or limitations. Additionally, researching the award-winning aircraft's capabilities will help you make a more informed purchasing decision – from speed to rate of climb and beyond.

Consider Stipulations to Owning an F-14 Tomcat.

Owning an F-14 Tomcat is more complex than it sounds. Due to strict rules and regulations, you will likely have to contact a government agency for explicit permission if you want to own one. Depending on your situation, acquiring this fighter craft may take some time. You should also be aware of legislation other countries impose since most versions of the F-14 Tomcat are restricted from exporting or being moved across certain borders. Therefore, when purchasing, it's strongly recommended that you research laws and regulations related to buying and owning an F-14 Tomcat.

Investigate Commercial Vendors That Sell F-14 Tomcats.

Once you've confirmed that owning an F-14 Tomcat is allowed in your country, investigate commercial vendors listing them for sale. Many of these sellers are brokers specialising in different fighter jets. Whether the aircraft is listed as 'flight-ready' or 'ground only', you should review its condition in detail before purchasing. Make sure to research the seller's reputation and read customer reviews, if available, to ensure you're getting a quality aircraft from a trusted source.

Learn How to Bid on Military Surplus Auctions for F-14s. 

Another great way to find an F-14 Tomcat for sale is through military surplus auctions, which can be held online or in person. Many aircraft the military has decommissioned are purchased through these auctions, restored and made available for private sale. Visit a reputable auction website such as GOVPLaza® to check current listings and learn how the bidding process works. Generally, you'll need to register with the auction site before placing your bid on any items up for auction.

Reach Out to Owners to Negotiate a Sale Directly.

If you want to buy an F-14 Tomcat directly from an owner, doing some research first is a good idea. Start your search by looking at classified ads; military aircraft enthusiasts may post listings on forums, websites and local newspapers. You can also ask aviation community people whether they know anyone selling an F-14. Once you find a few potential sellers, contact them directly to learn more about their aircraft's condition and price expectations. A direct sale can often be negotiated more quickly and efficiently while saving money simultaneously.