Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>F-111>HA3016

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 continued to use theirs.

The Aircraft

Built by General Dynamics in 1970 as c/n E2-52, F-111F 70-2413 spent most of its time with the 492nd FS/48th FW “Bolars” at RAF Lakenheath, UK. The 494th FS was re-activated in July 1952 and has been located at RAF Lakenheath since 1950. They have been equipped with F-84s, F-86s, F-100s, F-4s, F-111Fs until 1992 and presently F-15Es. Since reforming in 1952, the squadron has flown in Operation El Dorado Canyon (raid on Libya), Operation Desert Storm, Operation Allied Force and Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Provide Comfort and Operation Northern Watch.

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