Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>F-111>HA3006

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

In 1948 all U.S. bomber units were ordered to concentrate on improving their bombing accuracy and navigation skills. This would be accomplished through a competition that would become known as “Operation Giant Voice” in 1971. The teams were comprised of B-52’s, F- 111 and KC-135. The RAF had taken part with Vulcans and Victors. In 1981 thru 1983 SAC’s only FB-111A wing, the 509th BW from Pease AFB in New Hampshire took home the top prize the Fairchild Trophy. In 1987 “Giant Voice” became “Proud Shield”. In 1974 the “Bomb Comp” as the crews called it was held at Barksdale AFB in Louisiana. The insignia on the tail of 68-0271 is SAC’s 2nd Air Force “Flying Deuce”.

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