Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>F-111>HA3029

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

68-027 FB-111A was built in 1968 as C/N B1-19. In 1978 the NTM (NATO Tiger Meet) was to be held at Kleine Brogel, Belgium so 68-0247 that was assigned to the 509BW/393BS based at Pease AFB was sent to take part. In 1989 SACs F-111s were being replaced by B-1B bombers so F-111As were converted to F-111Gs. Some F-111Gs were spared from the Bone Yard and sent to the RAAF while the rest went to AMARC. In 1993 68-0247 was the USAF’s last flying F-111G to arrive there with 5,490 flight hours.

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