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The F-14A+, or F-14A(PLUS) began full scale production in March 1987. The first example, 162910, was initially used in the F-14A+ test program prior to its delivery to the Navy on November 1, 1987. A total of 38 new build examples followed at a rate of approximately two per month. The final new build F-14A+, 163411, was delivered on February 20, 1990. A further 48 F-14A+ Tomcats were added by upgrading F-14As. Key improvements incorporated the significantly more powerful General Electric F110-GE-400 engines, replacing the Pratt and Whitney TF30s which were susceptible to high angle of attack compressor stalls. The GE engines also allowed for carrier launches without the use of afterburner. Other improvements included Engine Fatigue Monitoring System, ALR-67 Threat Warning & Recognition System, DLC/AFC or Direct Lift Control/Approach Power Control MOD, AWG-15 Radar Control System, ARC-182 UHF/VHF radio, and improved gun gas purge system.
On May 1, 1991, the designation was changed to F-14B. Sixty-Seven F-14Bs received additional upgrades designed to extend their service life and improve their combat effectiveness and survivability. These received the designation F-14B(UPGRADE).
The F-14D, sometimes referred to as the Super Tomcat, was the final variant of the Tomcat. Similar in outward appearance to the F-14B, the D model incorporated the same GE F110-GE-400 engines but similarities stopped there. The Super Tomcat was equipped with the improved AN/APG-71 radar, Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS), Airborne Self Protection Jammer (ASPJ), a Glass Cockpit, Infra-red Search and Track (IRST) and NACES, the Naval Aircrew Common Ejection Seat. A total of 37 new build F-14Ds were delivered starting with 163412, on May 23, 1990. The last new-built F-14D, 164604 was delivered on July 10, 1992. An additional eighteen F-14As were remanufactured and designated F-14D(R).