Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>F-111>HA3023

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

F-111A 67-0052 began service with the 429th ECS/366th TFW. 67-0052 was the last of 42 F-111As converted to EF-111As and was assigned to the 42nd ECS stationed at RAF Upper Heyford, England between July 1983 and July 1992. In April of 1986 67-0052 was one of six Ravens providing electronic countermeasures to USN aircraft during Operation El Dorado Canyon in Libya. In 1987 the aircraft was nicknamed “Cherry Bomb” after an EB-66 that had previously served with the 42nd Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron. On April 1, 1998 67-0052 was sent to AMARC.

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