The General Dynamics F-111 “Aardvark” or "Pig" as the RAAF called it, 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.

RAAF F-111G “A8-274” originally was USAF F-111A s/n 68-0274 that had been upgraded.
This aircraft along with 14 other “G”s were purchased by the RAAF in 1993 to complement or
replace some of their existing “C” variants. One squadron to receive the F-111 was 6
Squadron based at RAAF Amberley, Queensland. The 6 Squadron was formed on
December 6, 1917 and disbanded in 1919. On January 1, 1939 the 6 Squadron was
reformed so in 1999 to celebrate 60 years service aircraft “A8-274” was selected to receive
the special 60th Anniversary paint scheme. The RAAF affectionately refer to their F-111’s as
“Pig” because using the terrain-following radar the aircraft can hunt at night just like a pig
can by using its nose.

Specifications for the General Dynamics F-111C

Name – referred to as “Pig” by the RAAF

Role - two-seat variable geometry, all-weather strike bomber

Entered service - Ordered in 1963, Delivered in June 1973

Crew - 2 side by side in air conditioned and pressurized capsule. The capsule ejects to
provide shelter and protection from outside elements

Powerplant – 2 x Pratt & Whitney TF30-P103 two shaft axial flow turbofan engines rated
@18,500 lb thrust with afterburners
Engine weight - 4,062lb   (1,843 kg)

Performance
Max Speed (clean) - Mach 2.4 @ 40,000ft, Mach 1.1 @sea level
Typical range - cruise 485 mph at 19,000ft
Climb rate (combat) - 23,000ft/min
Ceiling Height - 50,000 / 65,000ft (depending on weight)
Ferry range with internal fuel - 3,700 miles

Dimensions
Length - 73ft 6in   (22.4m)
Height - 17ft 1.4in   (5.22m)
Wing area - 550sq ft   (51.1m2)
Wing Sweep
16 degrees (extended) - 70ft   (21.33m) span
72 degrees (full) sweep - 33ft 11.5in   (10.35 m)

Weights
Empty - 55,275 lb   (25,072 kg)
Loaded - 70,000 lb   (31,751 kg)
Max takeoff – 89,000 lb   (40,370 kg)

Armament
1 x 20mm M61A1 Vulcan with 2,084 rounds. (No longer carried)
4 x GBU-15, 2000lb T.V. Guided Bombs
4 x GBU-10, 2000lb Laser Guided bombs
4 x Mk.84, 2,000lb bombs
20 x Karinga cluster bomblet dispensers
24 x 25lb practice bombs
24 x 25 lb high-drag practice bombs
4 x Harpoon, radar guided anti shipping missiles
4 x GBU-12, 500lb Laser guided
20 x Mk.82 500lb iron bombs with high-drag tail attachment
24 x standard Mk.82 bombs
Up to 6 x AIM-9 Sidewinder, Air-Air Missiles
6 x 600 gallon drop tanks
The internal weapons bay can house either fuel, bombs or the AVQ-26 Pave Tack Target
Designator

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