Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>F-111>HA3004

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

RAAF F-111G “A8-274” originally was USAF F-111A s/n 68-0274 that had been upgraded. This aircraft along with 14 other “G”s were purchased by the RAAF in 1993 to complement or replace some of their existing “C” variants. One squadron to receive the F-111 was 6 Squadron based at RAAF Amberley, Queensland. The 6 Squadron was formed on December 6, 1917 and disbanded in 1919. On January 1, 1939 the 6 Squadron was reformed so in 1999 to celebrate 60 years service aircraft “A8-274” was selected to receive the special 60th Anniversary paint scheme. The RAAF affectionately refer to their F-111’s as “Pig” because using the terrain-following radar the aircraft can hunt at night just like a pig can by using its nose.

Specifications :

Role :	two-seat variable geometry, all-weather strike bomber
Entered service :	Ordered in 1963, Delivered in June 1973
Crew :	2 side by side in air conditioned and pressurized capsule. The capsule ejects to provide shelter and protection from outside elements
Powerplant :	2 x Pratt & Whitney TF30-P103 two shaft axial flow turbofan engines rated @18,500 lb thrust with afterburners
Engine weight :	4,062lb (1,843 kg)
Performance:
Max Speed (clean) :	Mach 2.4 @ 40,000ft, Mach 1.1 @sea level
Typical range :	cruise 485 mph at 19,000ft
Climb rate (combat) :	23,000ft/min
Ceiling Height :	50,000 / 65,000ft (depending on weight)
Ferry range with internal fuel :	3,700 miles
Dimensions :
Length :	73.6 ft (22.4 m)
Height :	17.14 ft (5.22 m)
Wing area :	550sq ft (51.1m2)
Wing Sweep :	16 degrees (extended) - 70ft (21.33m) span
	72 degrees (full) sweep - 33ft 11.5in (10.35 m)
Weights :
Empty:	55,275 lb (25,072 kg)
Loaded:	70,000 lb (31,751 kg)
Maximum Takeoff:	89,000 lb (40,370 kg)
Armament:	1 x 20mm M61A1 Vulcan with 2,084 rounds. (No longer carried)
	4 x GBU-15, 2000lb T.V. Guided Bombs
	4 x GBU-10, 2000lb Laser Guided bombs
	4 x Mk.84, 2,000lb bombs
	20 x Karinga cluster bomblet dispensers
	24 x 25lb practice bombs
	24 x 25 lb high-drag practice bombs
	4 x Harpoon, radar guided anti shipping missiles
	4 x GBU-12, 500lb Laser guided
	20 x Mk.82 500lb iron bombs with high-drag tail attachment
	24 x standard Mk.82 bombs
	Up to 6 x AIM-9 Sidewinder, Air-Air Missiles
	6 x 600 gallon drop tanks
	The internal weapons bay can house either fuel, bombs or the AVQ-26 Pave Tack Target Designator