The F-14 Tomcat's incredible power came from these incredible engines.

The United States military frequently deploys the Grumman F-14 Tomcat as an attack aircraft. Although it was first put into the air on December 21, 1970, this jet wasn't formally introduced to the public until September 22, 1974. The jet was capable of air superiority and serving multiple roles as an interceptor and multirole fighter.

F-14 Tomcat
F-14 Tomcat

Seventy-two total units were manufactured at its peak. After 30 years of service, the F-14 Tomcat was finally retired in 2006. Yet, it maintains the same level of fascination as when it was in operation. The engine of this jet is undoubtedly the most impressive part of its design, speed, and even record.

The F-14 Tomcat's engine has been improved in several ways since the plane's introduction. This article will focus on the F-14 Tomcat's engine, one of its most interesting aspects. It's not like they're asking you to solve the universe's problems or anything.

The F-14 Tomcat's Pratt & Whitney TF30 engine was the aircraft's coolest component

The first F-14 Tomcat jet made by Grumman was powered by two Pratt & Whitney TF30 turbofan augmented engines. The combined thrust of these two engines is 20,900 pounds. Because of this force, the jet was able to sustain its top speed of Mach 2.34 for an extended period of time.

The F-14 Tomcat typically cruised at a normal speed to save fuel. This was especially important for extended patrols. There were bleed doors and ramps that could be adjusted in the TF30 engines' rectangular air inlets. From the moment of takeoff until the jet reached its maximum supersonic speed, this was essential for keeping air flowing to the engine. Various nozzles are available for use with these engines.

The Power of the General Electric F110 Engine

general electric f110 engine
F-14 tomcat: general electric f110 engine

There was a lot of backlash leveled at TF30 engines in the early 1980s. Former Secretary of the Navy John Lehman complained to Congress about these engines, saying they increased the risk of collisions.
It was determined that the previous engine problems could be mitigated by reinforcing the high-frequency blades and the entire engine bay. In the end, this was only a stopgap measure.

A more dependable model, the General Electric F110, eventually replaced the TF30s. With the increased power of these engines, the F-14 Tomcat could be launched using a catapult instead of a runway. In other words, no afterburners were required to accomplish this. Because of the reliability of the General Electric F110 engines, the F-14 Tomcat was able to keep on climbing.

The General Electric F110 engine proved to be capable and reliable enough to enter service before receiving afterburn approval.

By the end of 1981, a brand-new engine had been built and was ready to be put through its paces alongside the F-14B prototype. The Pratt & Whitney F401/PW400 engines were a part of this powertrain alongside another. The new engine failed its test runs and was ultimately scrapped.

F-14 tomcat engine
F-14 tomcat: general electric f110 engine

The Power of General Electric's F110 Engine

F-14 tomcat general electric f110 engine
The Arnold Engineering Development Center of the United States Air Force conducts performance tests on an F110 engine.

TF30 engines were heavily criticized for their performance in the early 1980s. Former Secretary of the Navy John Lehman expressed his dislike for these engines and their increased propensity to cause accidents in testimony before the United States Congress. The potential for further damage from the previous engine issues was acknowledged, and it was decided that a high-frequency blade reinforcement and an overall reinforcement of the whole engine bay could help. 

As it turned out, this was only a stopgap measure. General Electric F110 engines, known for their dependability, eventually replaced the older TF30 engines. Due to the increased power of these engines, the F-14 Tomcat could be launched using a catapult rather than a runway. 

No afterburners were required for this feat. The F-14 Tomcat's General Electric F110 engines were reliable enough to allow it to keep going up. After being put through its paces, the General Electric F110 engine was deemed reliable enough to enter service without first obtaining clearance for the afterburn. The F-14B prototype was to undergo testing with a brand new engine by the end of 1981. The Pratt & Whitney F401/PW400 engines were part of a hybrid powertrain that also included other types of engines. The new engine wasn't approved after a few trials.

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