Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>F-111>HA3024
F-111C Aardvark A8-132, ARDU, RAAF, 1988
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
F-111C Aardvark A8-132, USAF serial 67-0132 first flew on October 21, 1968 and arrived in
Australia on July 27, 1973. The aircraft spent 1979 until 1988 at RAAF Aircraft Research and
Development Unit (ARDU) at RAAF base Amberley. A8-132 completed very intense weapons
testing and completed over 30 major trials. At ARDU A8-132 received a paint scheme
consisting of a camouflage upper surface and a white lower surface. The aircraft was retired
in 2010 and sent to RAAF base Edinburgh wearing its former ARDU paint scheme.
Specifications :
| Role : | two-seat variable geometry, all-weather strike bomber |
| Entered service : | Ordered in 1963, Delivered in June 1973 |
| Crew : | 2 side by side in air conditioned and pressurized capsule. The capsule ejects to provide shelter and protection from outside elements |
| Powerplant : | 2 x Pratt & Whitney TF30-P103 two shaft axial flow turbofan engines rated @18,500 lb thrust with afterburners |
| Engine weight : | 4,062lb (1,843 kg) |
| Performance: | |
| Max Speed (clean) : | Mach 2.4 @ 40,000ft, Mach 1.1 @sea level |
| Typical range : | cruise 485 mph at 19,000ft |
| Climb rate (combat) : | 23,000ft/min |
| Ceiling Height : | 50,000 / 65,000ft (depending on weight) |
| Ferry range with internal fuel : | 3,700 miles |
| Dimensions : | |
| Length : | 73.6 ft (22.4 m) |
| Height : | 17.14 ft (5.22 m) |
| Wing area : | 550sq ft (51.1m2) |
| Wing Sweep : | 16 degrees (extended) - 70ft (21.33m) span |
| 72 degrees (full) sweep - 33ft 11.5in (10.35 m) | |
| Weights : | |
| Empty: | 55,275 lb (25,072 kg) |
| Loaded: | 70,000 lb (31,751 kg) |
| Maximum Takeoff: | 89,000 lb (40,370 kg) |
| Armament: | 1 x 20mm M61A1 Vulcan with 2,084 rounds. (No longer carried) |
| 4 x GBU-15, 2000lb T.V. Guided Bombs | |
| 4 x GBU-10, 2000lb Laser Guided bombs | |
| 4 x Mk.84, 2,000lb bombs | |
| 20 x Karinga cluster bomblet dispensers | |
| 24 x 25lb practice bombs | |
| 24 x 25 lb high-drag practice bombs | |
| 4 x Harpoon, radar guided anti shipping missiles | |
| 4 x GBU-12, 500lb Laser guided | |
| 20 x Mk.82 500lb iron bombs with high-drag tail attachment | |
| 24 x standard Mk.82 bombs | |
| Up to 6 x AIM-9 Sidewinder, Air-Air Missiles | |
| 6 x 600 gallon drop tanks | |
| The internal weapons bay can house either fuel, bombs or the AVQ-26 Pave Tack Target Designator |