Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>F-111>HA3002
RAAF F-111C “Pig” No.6 Sqn., No.82 Wing, RAAF "A8-127"
General Background
The General Dynamics F-111 “Aardvark” entered service in 1967 as a medium-range aircraft designed for interdiction and tactical strikes. The F-111 was used as an all-weather attack aircraft capable of low-level penetration of enemy territory. It also could be used for reconnaissance and electronic warfare. Some unique features are variable geometry wings, the 2 crew members sat side by side in an escape capsule, internal weapons bay; terrain following radar and afterburning turbofans. The USAF retired their last F-111 in 1998 but the RAAF still use theirs.
The Aircraft
The F-111C basically is an F-111A with strengthened landing gear and the longer wings of the F-111B and is the export version for the RAAF. Aircraft s/n A8-127 formerly was USAF 67-0127 delivered to the RAAF on June 1, 1973 by the crew of Squadron Leader Ian Westmore and Flight Lieutenant John Bushell.
Specifications :
| Crew : | 2 X pilot, weapon systems officer |
| Performance: | |
| Engines : | 2 X Pratt & Whitney TF30-P-3 generating 18,500 lbs. thrust each |
| Maximum speed : | 1,452 mph (2,336 km/h) |
| Cruising speed : | 685 mph (1,102 km/h) |
| Normal Range : | 3,632 miles (5,845 km) |
| Service Ceiling : | 57,000 ft. (17,373 m) |
| Dimensions : | |
| Length : | 73.5 ft (22.4 m) |
| Wingspan : | 63.0 ft (19.2 m) spread - 32.0 ft (9.74 m) swept |
| Height : | 17.13 ft (5.22 m) |
| Wing area : | 657.4 ft² (61.07 m²) spread - 525 ft² (48.77 m²) swept |
| Weights : | |
| Empty: | 47,481 lb (21,537 kg) |
| Loaded: | 82,843 lb (37,577 kg) |
| Maximum Take: | 98,979 lb (44,896 kg) |
| Armament: | 1 X 20mm M61A1 cannon and up to 24 conventional or nuclear weapons |