General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark
The F-111 Aardvark is a all weather fighter-bomber with a variable geometry wing developed by the United States in the 1960s . The development of this aircraft was difficult, but once all the problems were solved, the F-111 proved to be a formidable weapon system, and very reliable. Over 554 F-111’s were produced over twenty years. In December 2010, it was retired from service with the Australian Army, the last to possess in service.
General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark
General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark
DAYTON, Ohio -- General Dynamics F-111A at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo)
General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark
A Royal Australian Air Force F-111 heads out to the Nellis ranges on Feb. 14, 2006 during Red Flag 06-1 being held at Nellis AFB, Nev., Jan. 21-Feb. 18. Red Flag tests aircrewsí war-fighting skills in realistic combat situations. Flights will involve more than 85 aircraft ranging from B-2 Spirit bombers to F-16 Fighting Falcons. The aircraft will be flying missions during the day and night to the nearby Nevada Test and Training Range where they will simulate an air war. Along with the Air Force, units from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, United Kingdom and Australia will participate in this Red Flag.(U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Kevin J. Gruenwald) (Released
General Dynamics F-111F Cockpit
DAYTON, Ohio -- General Dynamics F-111F cockpit at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo)
General Dynamics F-111F
DAYTON, Ohio -- General Dynamics F-111F at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo)
General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark
General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark
General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark
F-111, Aardvark. Air Force inventory in 1967
General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark
General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark
General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark
As early as 1968 , the F-111A was sent to fight in Vietnam. Following the loss of several aircraft, all F-111 were banned from flying in December 1969 to July 1970. Three problems were discovered and fixed: the first in the motion control of the rudders, and the other two are the weaknesses of the structure at the wings. The war missions revealed various other malfunctions in the electronic systems, and in case of heavy rain, problems with the engines. Despite this, the F-111 proves capable of performing missions a variety of missions, and took over many bombing missions from the lesser capable F-4 Phantom.
All models of the F-111 (except the Australian F-111C) were equipped to carry the nuclear weapons . Tactical versions typically can carry the B43 , B57 or B61 , while the FB-111A can also carry the B77 and B83.