Air & Space Museum

Grumman F-14A Tomcat

Grumman F-14A Tomcat

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.

Air & Space Museum Air & Space Museum

Lowry - Denver

Air & Space Museum

Upcoming Events

Monday Jun 3
6:30PM TO 7:30PM
Air & Space Museum

Speaker Series: Looking Ahead to Mars

Speaker Series: Looking Ahead to Mars
Monday, Jun 3, 2024 | 6:30PM to 7:30PM

Join us at the Air & Space Museum for a special, after-hours presentation about Mars with special guest speakers from NASA, Rick Davis and Bob Collom! Pre-registration is required.

Rick and Bob will present an overview of some of the major challenges involved in the human exploration of Mars, with a focus on the reconnaissance needed to overcome those challenges. This talk will share the progress made by NASA’s Human Landing Site Study, tasked with identifying the first human landing base on Mars. It will also cover the lessons learned from previous space exploration missions, and the key questions we need to answer before we can establish a sustainable human presence on Mars. They will also share the many ways students can get involved with the Mars exploration community and with NASA.

Register Here

Arrive early at 6:00 p.m. to explore the museum before the presentation starts! The museum will close after the Speaker Series event ends at 7:30 p.m.

This presentation will take place in the Harrison Ford Theater.

Wednesday Jun 5
6:00PM TO 7:00PM
Air & Space Museum

Wings Aerospace Exploration Parent/Family Info Night

Wings Aerospace Exploration Parent/Family Info Night
Wednesday, Jun 5, 2024 | 6:00PM to 7:00PM

Full STEAM Ahead – Immerse Your Student into Aerospace!

Join us for an informational session to learn about Wings Aerospace Exploration (WAE), a hands-on enrichment program for students in grades 6-12 from the team at Wings Over the Rockies™. This meeting will take place at the Air & Space Museum in Denver at 7711 East Academy Blvd, Denver, CO 80230.

Register Here

WAE students will have the opportunity to explore the wonders of flight, engage with industry professionals, and gain valuable skills for future careers in aerospace. The program includes building and operating RC airplanes, drones and robotics, as well as coding, rocketry and LOTS of other aviation and space related subjects. Wings Aerospace Exploration is an enrichment program and complements but does not take the place of an accredited educational institution.

Wings is thrilled to announce the expansion of the WAE pathway to the Exploration of Flight campus at Centennial Airport! For this upcoming 2024/2025 school year, WAE – Centennial will be open to high school students (grades 9-12) and focus on two primary pathways – Drone Pilot Course and Private Pilot Course. Each of the pathways will prepare students to become certified by the FAA. Students in the Drone Pilot Pathway will immerse themselves in the attainment of industry certifications and will have support from at least four industry professionals as mentors, flight instructors and career coaches. The Private Pilot Pathway will provide students with the basic skills to prepare them to become Private Pilots, including flight simulators, ground school, airport operations and more.

Questions, please contact:
Program Coordinator – Nedra Hall 303.360.5360 ext 125
NHall@WingsMuseum.org

Saturday Jun 8
10:00AM TO 5:00PM
Air & Space Museum

New Exhibit Opening: Snoopy and the Red Baron

New Exhibit Opening: Snoopy and the Red Baron
Saturday, Jun 8, 2024 | 10:00AM to 5:00PM

Our newest exhibit Snoopy and the Red Baron opens on Saturday, June 8!

Immerse yourself in the thrilling world of aerial combat as you explore the daring escapades of Snoopy and his arch-nemesis, The Red Baron. From vintage aircraft displays and aviation activities to interactive exhibits, this experience is sure to delight all ages. Bring the whole family and explore this fun-filled exhibit and journey through aviation history.

Enjoy special activities including a paper airplane station, VR experience, selfie station, coloring activities and more!

Pre-Purchase Tickets

Be sure to visit the Museum Store for special Snoopy items and unique gifts!

Snoopy and the Red Baron is included in the price of museum admission. This exhibit is limited-time and the last day to see it at the Air & Space Museum is September 1.

Get updates and special offers

Sign up for our newsletter, and stay up to date with all of the latest exhibits and events at Wings Over the Rockies.

Warbird Jet - Wings Museum