Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>F-111>HA3026

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

Originally RAAF F-111G A8-272 was USAF SAC FB-111G 68-0272. USAF 68-0272 was retired on September 23, 1982 and sent to storage at Davis Monthan AFB, known as the “Boneyard”. In 1992 the RAAF purchased fifteen USAF F-111s including 68-0272 that became A8-272. The other fourteen F-111s were still in service with the USAF but 68-0272 was taken out of storage and made airworthy. 68-0272 became the only F-111 to ever fly again in an operational capacity earning the nickname “Boneyard Wrangler”. On May 1, 2009, A8-272 was sent to the RAAF Museum at Point Cook.

There were 34 F-111As reconfigured to F-111Gs for tactical use. The conversion consisted of minor avionics updates and strengthening the airframe for the new role.

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