Uploaded March 2025 | Updated September 2026, 6 days ago
Why the F-14D Could Have Been the Ultimate Fighter
The Grumman F-14 Tomcat was one of the most iconic fighter aircraft of the Cold War—renowned for its variable-geometry wings, twin engines, and long-range AIM-54 Phoenix missiles. But what if the platform had been allowed to fully mature?
This documentary explores the full evolution of the F-14, from the early Alpha models to the final F-14D variant, and examines the ambitious upgrade paths—including the ST-21, AST-21, and ASF-14—that could have transformed the Tomcat into the most capable multirole fighter of its generation.
Topics covered in this video:
• Origins of the F-14 program and its role in post-Vietnam air combat doctrine
• Comparison with the F-15 Eagle and the U.S. Air Force’s high-low fighter mix
• Evaluation of the F-14 by Israel and Iran
• Development of the F-14A+ (later redesignated F-14B)
• Introduction of the F-14D “Delta” model, with GE F110 engines, APG-71 radar, IRST, and glass cockpit
• Overview of the Super Tomcat upgrade proposals: ST-21, AST-21, and ASF-14
• Proposed improvements including supercruise capability, thrust vectoring, AESA radar, and enhanced multirole capacity
• Political decisions behind the cancellation of further Tomcat upgrades
• The transition to the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and what was lost in the process
• Analysis of how a fully realized Tomcat could have remained relevant into the 21st century
Though the F-14 was retired in 2006, its potential remains a subject of fascination. This video revisits what might have been the ultimate 4th-generation fighter—an aircraft that, had it been allowed to evolve, might still rival modern platforms today.
CONTENTS
00:00 Intro
00:48 Background
04:54 Foreign Sales
09:20 F-14 Bravo
10:32 F-14 Delta
11:45 Further upgrades
12:54 Super Tomcat upgrade options
17:09 Termination
18:34 Lost Potential?
Support this channel by joining our Members & Merch shop at https://peacemaker.fashion for ad-free early access, exclusive military fashion discounts, and more perks.
_____________ Disclaimer _____________
Original footage and recreated scenes (using DCS, War Thunder, etc) may not be 100% accurate to the event being described but has been used for dramatic effect. This is because there may not have been original footage of a particular event available, or copyright prevents us from showing it. Our aim is to be as historically true as we can be given the materials available.
Copyright disclaimer under fair dealing sections ss 40/103C, ss 41/103A,ss 42/103B of the Copyright Act which includes research, study, criticism, review, and reporting of news. Copyright remains with the respective owners. These videos are made for educational purposes only.
The Australian Military Aviation History Association is a not-for-profit association with the intent of recording, preserving and promoting Australian military aviation history.
Why the F-14D Could Have Been the Ultimate Fighter
The Grumman F-14 Tomcat was one of the most iconic fighter aircraft of the Cold War—renowned for its variable-geometry wings, twin engines, and long-range AIM-54 Phoenix missiles. But what if the platform had been allowed to fully mature?
This documentary explores the full evolution of the F-14, from the early Alpha models to the final F-14D variant, and examines the ambitious upgrade paths—including the ST-21, AST-21, and ASF-14—that could have transformed the Tomcat into the most capable multirole fighter of its generation.
Topics covered in this video:
• Origins of the F-14 program and its role in post-Vietnam air combat doctrine
• Comparison with the F-15 Eagle and the U.S. Air Force’s high-low fighter mix
• Evaluation of the F-14 by Israel and Iran
• Development of the F-14A+ (later redesignated F-14B)
• Introduction of the F-14D “Delta” model, with GE F110 engines, APG-71 radar, IRST, and glass cockpit
• Overview of the Super Tomcat upgrade proposals: ST-21, AST-21, and ASF-14
• Proposed improvements including supercruise capability, thrust vectoring, AESA radar, and enhanced multirole capacity
• Political decisions behind the cancellation of further Tomcat upgrades
• The transition to the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and what was lost in the process
• Analysis of how a fully realized Tomcat could have remained relevant into the 21st century
Though the F-14 was retired in 2006, its potential remains a subject of fascination. This video revisits what might have been the ultimate 4th-generation fighter—an aircraft that, had it been allowed to evolve, might still rival modern platforms today.
CONTENTS
00:00 Intro
00:48 Background
04:54 Foreign Sales
09:20 F-14 Bravo
10:32 F-14 Delta
11:45 Further upgrades
12:54 Super Tomcat upgrade options
17:09 Termination
18:34 Lost Potential?
Support this channel by joining our Members & Merch shop at https://peacemaker.fashion for ad-free early access, exclusive military fashion discounts, and more perks.
_____________ Disclaimer _____________
Original footage and recreated scenes (using DCS, War Thunder, etc) may not be 100% accurate to the event being described but has been used for dramatic effect. This is because there may not have been original footage of a particular event available, or copyright prevents us from showing it. Our aim is to be as historically true as we can be given the materials available.
Copyright disclaimer under fair dealing sections ss 40/103C, ss 41/103A,ss 42/103B of the Copyright Act which includes research, study, criticism, review, and reporting of news. Copyright remains with the respective owners. These videos are made for educational purposes only.
The Australian Military Aviation History Association is a not-for-profit association with the intent of recording, preserving and promoting Australian military aviation history.
