General Dynamics F-111
| F-111 Aardvark | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| An F-111F of the 494th Tactical Fighter Squadron releases its load of Mark 82 bombs with ballute-type retardation systems over a bomb range. | |
| Role | Interdictor, fighter-bomber, and strategic bomber |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | General Dynamics |
| First flight | 21 December 1964 |
| Introduction | 18 July 1967 |
| Retired | USAF: F-111F, 1996; EF-111A, 1998 RAAF: F-111C, 2010 |
| Status | Retired |
| Primary users |
United States Air Force (USAF) Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) |
| Number built | 563 |
| Unit cost |
F-111F: US$10.3 million (flyaway cost in 1973)
|
| Variants |
General Dynamics–Grumman F-111B General Dynamics F-111C General Dynamics–Grumman EF-111A Raven General Dynamics F-111K |
| General Dynamics F-111 Cutaway | |
 General Dynamics F-111 Cutaway from Flightglobal.com
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The General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark was a supersonic, medium-range interdictor and tactical attack aircraft that also filled the roles of strategic nuclear bomber, aerial reconnaissance, and electronic-warfare aircraft in its various versions. Developed in the 1960s by General Dynamics, it first entered service in 1967 with the United States Air Force. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) also ordered the type and began operating F-111Cs in 1973.
The F-111 pioneered several technologies for production aircraft, including variable-sweep wings, afterburning turbofan engines, and automated terrain-following radar for low-level, high-speed flight. Its design influenced later variable-sweep wing aircraft, and some of its advanced features have since become commonplace. The F-111 suffered a variety of problems during initial development. Several of its intended roles, such as an aircraft carrier-based naval interceptor with the F-111B, failed to materialize.
USAF F-111 variants were retired in the 1990s, with the F-111Fs in 1996 and EF-111s in 1998. 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. The RAAF was the last operator of the F-111, with its aircraft serving until December 2010.
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