Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>F-111>HA3018

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

Activated on January 15, 1941 as the 11th Reconnaissance Squadron it became the 524th Fighter Squadron in 1944. Between 1960 and 1972 it was equipped with the General Dynamics F-111A/D/E models. In 1992 they received the F-111 E and F variants replacing the earlier models. To acknowledge the General Dynamics F-111 retirement 74-0187 was given a special nose art scheme. On July 27, 1996 the F-111 unofficial name “Aardvark” became official. In September 1996 74-0187 was sent to Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Center at Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz. (Bone Yard).

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