![]() The F-111 was replaced in USAF service by the F-15E Strike Eagle for medium-range precision strike missions, while the supersonic bomber role has been assumed by the B-1B Lancer. RAAF F-111s never saw offensive action, but were deployed periodically as a deterrent, such as for the Australian-led International Force for East Timor.īeing relatively expensive to maintain amid post- Cold War budget cuts, the USAF elected to retire its F-111 fleet during the 1990s the last F-111Fs were withdrawn in 1996 while the remaining EF-111s also departed in 1998. The F-111s also participated in the Gulf War (Operation Desert Storm) in 1991 the F-111Fs completed 3.2 successful strike missions for every unsuccessful one, better than any other U.S. As early as March 1968, the USAF were deploying F-111s into active combat situations the type saw heavy use during the latter half of the Vietnam War to conduct low-level ground-attack missions, flying in excess of 4,000 combat missions while incurring only six combat losses in the theatre. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) also ordered the F-111 and began operating the F-111C in 1973. The F-111 entered service in 1967 with the United States Air Force (USAF). Several specialized models, such as the FB-111A strategic bomber and the EF-111s electronic warfare aircraft, were also developed later on. A fighter variant intended for the United States Navy, the F-111B, was canceled before production it was intended for aircraft carrier-based roles, including long-range interception. The F-111 suffered problems during initial development, largely related to the engines. Its design influenced later variable-sweep wing aircraft, and some of its advanced features have become commonplace. The word "aardvark", from the Afrikaans contraction "earth-pig", was the source of the F-111's nickname of "Pig" during its Australian service.ĭeveloped in the 1960s by General Dynamics under Robert McNamara's TFX Program, the F-111 pioneered variable-sweep wings, afterburning turbofan engines, and automated terrain-following radar for low-level, high-speed flight. The name Aardvark was derived from perceived similarities of the aircraft to the animal: a long nose and low-level, terrain-following capabilities. interdiction), strategic bombing (including nuclear weapons capabilities), reconnaissance and electronic warfare. Production models of the F-111 had roles that included attack (e.g. ![]() The General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark is a retired supersonic, medium-range, multirole combat aircraft. General Dynamics–Boeing AFTI/F-111A Aardvark ![]()
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