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Freedom251 › Blog › F-14 Tomcat

DIYer Built a Giant RC F-14 Tomcat for About $35,000—and Says It Hits 217 mph

By Freedom251 Team · · 2 min read

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Levi’s F-14 Tomcat is a large, turbine-powered radio-controlled model, not a full-size fighter. The reported build estimate is about A$55,000—roughly US$35,000 in SlashGear’s October 2026 account—not the $38,000 stated in the headline. Levi estimates the model can reach about 350 km/h (217 mph), but that speed has not been independently documented in the cited coverage.

How much did Levi’s RC F-14 cost?

SlashGear reports that Levi estimated the project at about A$55,000, which the publication converted to roughly US$35,000. BeSnappy Aviation’s original feature gives an estimate of around $55,000 but does not specify a currency in its summary. The headline’s $38,000 figure therefore does not match SlashGear’s stated U.S.-dollar conversion.

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These are reported builder estimates, not an itemized bill of materials or a verified sale price. The project began with a composite shell and was substantially customized; the shell’s manufacturer and a retail listing are not identified. SlashGear and BeSnappy Aviation describe the aircraft and project, but neither account establishes a purchasable equivalent.

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How big is the RC F-14?

The published measurements are approximate and differ slightly. BeSnappy reports a length of about 3.7 meters (roughly 12 feet) and a dry weight around 48 kilograms (about 106 pounds). SlashGear gives a length of 12.5 feet and dry weight of 105.8 pounds. SlashGear also estimates takeoff weight at about 132.57 pounds.

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BeSnappy and SlashGear report capacity for around 12 liters of jet fuel and 2.5 liters of smoke oil. Those loads help explain why this is a substantial model aircraft rather than a small, off-the-shelf RC plane.

How fast does Levi say it flies?

Levi estimates a top speed of about 350 km/h (217 mph), particularly with the wings swept back. The figure is attributed to the builder in the coverage; the cited sources do not provide an independent speed test or measurement method. Treat it as a reported estimate, not a verified performance result.

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What makes its variable-sweep wings challenging?

The wings can move between forward and swept-back positions, changing how the aircraft flies and adding complexity to its setup. Levi described the difference to SlashGear this way: “In flight, with the wings out and the wings back; it’s like flying two totally different jets.”

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BeSnappy reports that flap use must be disabled when the wings are swept back to avoid damage. It also describes the aircraft’s extensive visual customization, including weathering, grime, oil staining, faded markings, moving pilots and added vents. These are details of Levi’s particular build, not specifications for every RC F-14.

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  • Package Dimensions: 41.0 cms (L) x 29.6 cms (W) x 8.6 cms (H)
  • Product Type: Non Riding Toy Vehicle
  • Package Quantity: 1
  • Country Of Origin: Japan
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Why is this a specialized project?

The model combines a large composite airframe, turbine power, substantial fuel and smoke-oil capacity, and moving wings. BeSnappy says Levi finds every flight nerve-racking; SlashGear quotes him saying, “I try to be ignorant to that; otherwise, I wouldn’t fly it.” Those comments underline the demands of this individual aircraft, but the coverage does not establish general operating guidance or independently verified flight characteristics.

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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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