Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>F-111>HA3003

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 with the RAAF proposed retirement in 2010.

The Aircraft

The first EF-111A flight took place on May 17, 1977. The 42nd ECS (Electronic Combat Squadron) of the 20th TFW located at Upper Heyford, UK received their first EF-111As in February 1984. The official name for the EF-111 aircraft was “Raven” but quite often was referred to as “Spark Vark” by the crews. The last U.S. EF-111s were retired on 2 May 1998. “LET EM EAT CROW” painted on aircraft 67-0034 is a reference to the EWO (Electronic Warfare Officer) who were known as “Crows”.

Specifications :

Aircraft variant name :	Raven
First delivery to combat units :	1981
Number of F-111As converted to EF-111As by Grumman :	42
Role :	Electronic warfare aircraft
Crew :	2 X pilot, Electronic Warfare Officer (EWO)
Powerplant :	2 x Pratt & Whitney P&W TF30-P-3 turbofan, 10,750 lb.s.t dry and 18,500 lb.s.t with afterburning. (lb.s.t. - Pounds Static Thrust)
Performance:
Maximum speed :	1,460 mph (Mach 2.2 / 2,350 km/h) above 30,000 ft
Normal range :	2,000 miles (1,740 nmi, 3,220 km)
Ferry range :	3,800 miles (3,300 nmi, 6,110 km)
Service Ceiling :	45,000 ft (13,715 m)
ROC	11,000 ft/min (3,353m/min)
Dimensions :
Length :	76 ft (23.17 m)
Wingspan :	63.0 ft (19.2 m) extended - 32.0 ft (9.74 m) swept
Height :	20 ft (61. m)
Wing area :	657.4 ft² (61.07 m²) spread - 525 ft² (48.77 m²) swept
Weights :
Empty:	55,275 lb (25,072 kg)
Loaded:	70,000 lb (31,751 kg)
Maximum Takeoff:	89.000 lb (40,370 kg)