Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>F-111>HA3005
F-111G "69-6506"428th TFS, 27th TFW, USAF, Cannon AFB, New Mexico
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 428th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron formerly of the 474th TFW at Cannon was reactivated with the 27th TFW on 15 December, being equipped with the F-111G. The "G" model was a conversion of the former SAC FB-111A all-weather strategic bombing version of the F-111, which was originally intended as an interim successor to the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress and Convair B-58 Hustler. These aircraft, less their nuclear delivery capability, were transferred to Cannon following the disbandment of SAC's 509th Bomb Wing at Pease AFB, New Hampshire and the 380th Bomb Wing at Plattsburgh AFB, New York.
The F-111Gs at Cannon were used primarily for training, but were scheduled to be supplanted in the training role by the F-111E. This made the F-111G surplus to USAF requirements, and the F-111G began to be transferred to AMARC for storage in 1991 with the arrival of the "E" models with the 428th TFTS. The last G model was sent to AMARC in 1993.
The F-111Gs at Cannon were used primarily for training, but were scheduled to be supplanted in the training role by the F-111E. This made the F-111G surplus to USAF requirements, and the F-111G began to be transferred to AMARC for storage in 1991 with the arrival of the "E" models with the 428th TFTS. The last G model was sent to AMARC in 1993.
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 |