F-14 Tomcat | Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum

The F-14 Tomcat played a leading role in the 1986 movie “Top Gun.” The Navy needed an airplane to protect its surface fleets from hostile aircraft and anti-ship missiles at long range. After a naval version of the Air Force’s F-111 fighter bomber proved was unsuitable for aircraft carrier operations, its radar and long-range AIM-54 Phoenix air intercept missile systems were transferred to an entirely new design, the F-14.

Grumman designed a twin-engine fighter with variable-sweep wings to enable it to fly at high speeds for interceptions, yet slow enough for carrier landings. The F-14’s advanced radar system could track 24 targets at once, and launch missiles at six of them. The Phoenix missile allowed the Tomcat to hit targets well over 100 miles away. The F-14 also carried short-range Sparrow and Sidewinder missiles, as well as a 20mm rotary cannon for close-in dogfights.

The US Navy retired the Tomcats from service in 2006 after they served in the first Gulf War and Operation Iraqi Freedom, where they served as bombers and reconnaissance aircraft. A handful of F-14s still fly with the Iranian Islamic Republic Air Force, which obtained them during the reign of Shah Mohammed Raza Pahlavi. Iranian F-14s shot down more than 55 Iraqi aircraft during the Iran-Iraq War.

This F-14A served most of its career with Navy test and evaluation squadrons before becoming a maintenance trainer with VF-211. It is on loan from the National Naval Aviation Museum.

Lowry - Denver

Air & Space Museum

Monday	10am-5pm
Tuesday	10am-5pm
Wednesday	10am-5pm
Thursday	10am-5pm
Friday	10am-5pm
Saturday	10am-5pm
Sunday	10am-5pm

Address:
7711 East Academy Blvd Denver, CO 80230

E: info@wingsmuseum.org

P: 303-360-5360

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Upcoming Events

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Thursday Sep 24

5:30PM TO 7:30PM

Air & Space Museum

Book Talk & Signing: The Smithsonian History of U.S. Women Astronauts

Thursday, Sep 24, 2026 | 5:30PM to 7:30PM

What did it take for women to break the glass ceiling and help shape the history of spaceflight?

Find out from author Dr. Valerie Neal and astronaut Dr. Megan McArthur as they explore the legacy, challenges and achievements of American women astronauts. Drawing from Neal’s book, On a Mission: The Smithsonian History of U.S. Women Astronauts, and McArthur’s firsthand experiences in space, they will discuss the evolution of roles at NASA, missions to the Hubble Space Telescope and International Space Station and the generations before who helped redefine what it means to be an astronaut.

At this event, you’ll experience:

A moderated discussion and presentation with Dr. Valerie Neal and astronaut Dr. Megan McArthur
Ask your own questions on the topic of women astronauts and careers within NASA
Get your book signed by author Dr. Valerie Neal

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to experience the comprehensive history of all 61 American female astronauts!

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Saturday Sep 26

10:00AM TO 4:30PM

Air & Space Museum

Scout Merit Badge Workshop

Saturday, Sep 26, 2026 | 10:00AM to 4:30PM

Earn your Aviation Merit Badge!

Come and learn about aerospace basics, pilot your course or flying adventure without ever leaving the ground, build a glider from a foam plate and experience the Wings Over the Rockies Flight Simulator Room. Our penguin class also includes a tour of the Air & Space Museum!

The cost of this experience is $25. Please bring a sack lunch. Adults can sit in if space is available and should not register for the class, but instead must pay the museum entry fee.

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Prerequisite: Please download and print the Merit Badge Worksheet and complete step 5 before class.

Please bring your worksheet and a pen to the class. Using resources on the back of the homework, consider three careers in aviation that excite you. Choose the one you are interested in and list the education, training and experience you need for the job!

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Saturday Oct 3

5:00PM TO 9:00PM

Air & Space Museum

Spreading Wings Gala

Saturday, Oct 3, 2026 | 5:00PM to 9:00PM

Join Wings Over the Rockies for an unforgettable evening celebrating America’s premier flight demonstration team, the United States Air Force Thunderbirds!

The 2026 Spreading Wings Gala brings together aviation enthusiasts, community leaders, veterans, and business executives for one of Colorado’s premier events. Guests will enjoy an elegant evening featuring remarkable stories, exclusive experiences, and the highly anticipated unveiling of our fully restored Thunderbird F-16D.

The evening will feature a special conversation with our guest of honor, retired Brigadier General James Latham. A decorated combat pilot, former prisoner of war, and Thunderbird Commander, General Latham’s remarkable career is a testament to courage, leadership, perseverance, and service. His story reflects the values that have defined the Thunderbirds for generations and continue to inspire those who dream of taking flight.

The Thunderbirds represent excellence, precision, teamwork, and service. Their legacy extends far beyond the skies, inspiring future pilots, maintainers, engineers, astronauts, and innovators. Every ticket, sponsorship, and donation helps Wings Over the Rockies create life-changing opportunities that prepare young people to become the next generation of Thunderbirds.

At this event, you’ll experience: