F-14A TomCat IRIAF "Persian Cat" 1:48 Model Kit by Hobby Boss

Model Features

• 1:48 scale plastic model kit
• Accurately represents the Grumman F-14A Tomcat in Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) "Persian Cat" markings
• Highly detailed cockpit with realistic instrument panels and Martin-Baker GRU-7A ejection seats
• Finely engraved panel lines and authentic surface detail
• Variable-sweep wings with movable wing mechanism
• Detailed twin-engine exhaust nozzles
• Optional position flaps and control surfaces
• Detailed landing gear and wheel wells
• Includes AIM-54 Phoenix, AIM-7 Sparrow, AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, and external fuel tanks
• Clear two-piece canopy with slide-moulded detail
• Photo-etched parts included
• Precision-moulded plastic parts
• Waterslide decal sheet featuring distinctive IRIAF "Persian Cat" markings
• Illustrated assembly instructions
• Ideal for Cold War aviation collections, Middle Eastern air force displays, or modern fighter aircraft diorama projects.

Specifications

• Brand: Hobby Boss
• Scale: 1:48
• Subject: Grumman F-14A Tomcat "Persian Cat" (IRIAF)
• Material: Injection-moulded plastic
• Skill Level: Suitable for intermediate to advanced modellers
• Paint & Glue Required: Yes (sold separately)
• Recommended Age: 14+
• Parts: Over 390
• Photo-Etched Parts: 1 piece
• Model Length: 397.2mm
• Wingspan: 233.2mm (swept) / 407mm (fully extended)

What's in the Box

• Plastic sprues
• Clear canopy parts
• Photo-etched detail parts
• AIM-54 Phoenix missiles
• AIM-7 Sparrow missiles
• AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles
• External fuel tanks
• Waterslide decal sheet with IRIAF markings
• Illustrated assembly instructions

History of the Original Aircraft

The Grumman F-14A Tomcat was developed during the late 1960s as the United States Navy's next-generation fleet air defence fighter. Designed by Grumman Aerospace, it combined powerful radar, long-range missile capability, and variable-sweep wings to provide unmatched performance against enemy bombers and fighters. Entering service with the U.S. Navy in 1974, the Tomcat became one of the most recognisable combat aircraft of the Cold War.

Iran was the only country to receive the F-14 as an export customer. In the mid-1970s, the Imperial Iranian Air Force ordered 80 F-14A Tomcats to defend Iranian airspace against high-speed Soviet reconnaissance aircraft such as the MiG-25 Foxbat. Before deliveries were complete, the 1979 Iranian Revolution transformed the country into the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the surviving aircraft entered service with the newly formed Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF).

Despite decades of international sanctions and limited access to spare parts, Iran succeeded in keeping a significant number of Tomcats operational through domestic maintenance, reverse engineering, and locally developed upgrades. During the Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988), the F-14 became one of Iran's most effective air defence assets, reportedly achieving numerous air-to-air victories against Iraqi fighters and bombers while using its powerful AN/AWG-9 radar and long-range AIM-54 Phoenix missiles.

Powered by two Pratt & Whitney TF30 afterburning turbofan engines, the F-14A could exceed Mach 2.3 while tracking multiple airborne targets simultaneously. Its variable-geometry wings automatically adjusted to provide excellent manoeuvrability during dogfights while maintaining outstanding high-speed performance.

The aircraft was armed with an internal 20mm M61A1 Vulcan rotary cannon and could carry a formidable combination of AIM-54 Phoenix, AIM-7 Sparrow, and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. This made it one of the most capable interceptor aircraft ever produced and a formidable opponent in both beyond-visual-range and close-range combat.

Today, Iran remains the only nation still operating the F-14 Tomcat, making the IRIAF "Persian Cat" one of the most unique and historically significant variants of this legendary aircraft. Its distinctive camouflage schemes and remarkable operational history continue to make it a favourite subject among aviation enthusiasts and scale modellers alike.

Historical Snapshot

• Country: United States (operated by Iran)
• First Flight: 21 December 1970
• Entered Service: 1974 (U.S. Navy), 1976 (Iran)
• Role: Fleet Air Defence Fighter / Multirole Fighter
• Manufacturer: Grumman Aerospace
• Operator: Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF)
• Crew: 2
• Engines: Two Pratt & Whitney TF30-P-414A afterburning turbofan engines
• Primary Armament: One 20mm M61A1 Vulcan rotary cannon
• Secondary Armament: AIM-54 Phoenix, AIM-7 Sparrow, AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles and external fuel tanks
• Maximum Speed: Approximately Mach 2.34 (2,485 km/h / 1,544 mph)
• Range: Approximately 2,960 km (1,840 miles)

Please Note

This is an unassembled plastic model kit. Paint, glue, and modelling tools are not included. Recommended for ages 14 and over.