Features

F-111 Fact File

The name
The only countries to operate the F-111 have been the United States and Australia and both have distinctive names for the aircraft. The US Air Force dubbed their F-111s Aardvark because of the aircraft’s long snout and partly because the aircraft were manufactured by General Dynamics in a mile-long plant unofficially known as the Aardvark. The Australian F-111s are affectionately called Pigs, again because of their long nose and ability to get down in the weeds with their Terrain Following Radar.

The speed
The F-111 is still one of the fastest military jets in the world with a top speed at high altitude of Mach 2.5 which equates to almost 3000 km/h. Some aircraft come close, like the American F-14 Tomcat (Mach 2.1) and the Russian Sukhoi SU-35 (Mach 2.3), but only a few can match the F-111’s speed, including the American F-15 Strike Eagle (Mach 2.5) and the Russian MiG-25 Foxbat which is estimated to be capable of Mach 2.8 or 3400km/h. The next generation of aircraft is another story.

The fleet
The Air Force has 35 F-111s which comprise four RF-111 (photo reconnaissance aircraft), 17 F-111C models and 14 F-111G models. Initially 24 C models were ordered and delivered between June and December 1973. Four A models were acquired as attrition replacements in 1982 and modified as F-111Cs. An additional 15 G models (ex-USAF FB-111As) were acquired in 1993/94.

Specifications
Engines F-111C: TF-30-P109. Thrust (per engine): 9000kg. F-111G: TF-30-P108. Thrust (per engine): 9000kg Performance Range: 3000 nm (5,500 km) Ceiling: 50,000 ft (15,000 m) Speed (sea level): Supersonic Speed (high altitude): Mach 2.5 (3000 km/h) Airframe Length: 22.4 m (73.5 ft) Wingspan (swept back): 10.4 m (34 ft) Wingspan (fully forward): 21.3 m (70 ft) Height: 5.3 m (17.4 ft)	Weight (basic): 23,000 kg (50,715 lb) Weight (maximum): 52,000 kg (114,660 lb) Ordnance MK82 500lb bombs MK84 2000lb bombs GBU-12 (500 lb/220 kg) Laser Guided Bombs GBU-10 (2000 lb/900 kg) Laser Guided Bombs GBU-24 Low-level Laser Guided Bomb AIM-9 Sidewinder (infra-red air-to-air missile) AGM-84 Harpoon (anti-ship missile) AGM-142 Have Nap/Popeye missile (under trial)

Compiled by Richard Hogan