During flight, the operational wing sweep angle can be varied from 28 to 68 degrees relative to the pitch axis of the aircraft. This is a relatively simple planar mechanism of three links (ground, actuator, and wing), but uses linear actuation rather than direct rotation to control the sweep of each wing. A diagram with showing the overall dimensions of the aircraft and the mechanism architecture are shown below.

F-14 Aircraft Dimensions

F-14 Wing Sweep Mechanism

The mechanism is designed to provide significant mechanical advantage over the full range of motion and driven by an actuator similar to that shown below, which uses a gear train and lead screw to convert rotational motor input into linear actuation.

Linear Actuator Section View

A simple animated Solidworks model of the mechanism is shown to the right (note: model is not to scale).

Solidworks Animation (not to scale)