The General Dynamics F-111 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 after-burning turbofans.
The USAF retired their last F-111 in 1998 but the RAAF continued to use theirs until 2010.

General Dynamics F-111E “Aardvark” 68-0020 was c/n A1-189/E-30. It was brought on charge
on December 17, 1969 and allocated to the 27th TFW at Cannon AFB, New Mexico. In October
1970 the aircraft was transferred to the 474th TFW located at Nellis AFB, Nevada. In March of
1971 68-0020 moved back to the 27th TFW and later that year transferred to the 20th TFW at
RAF Upper-Heyford, England. In 1976 68-0020 was given the honor of wearing the paint scheme
celebrating the American Bicentennial. In 1989 the same aircraft was the flagship of the 20th
TFW and wore the nose art “The Chief”. The RAF Upper-Heyford flight line was due to close on
December 15, 1993 so on December 7th the final 3
F-111s left the base with 68-0020 flying to Hill AFB, Utah. The aircraft was retired and entered
the Hill Aerospace Museum where it was painted and displays as “My Lucky Blonde”.

General Dynamics F-111A specifications

The F-111E had modified air intakes to improve the engine's performance at speeds above Mach
2.2.

Crew – 2 X pilot, weapon systems officer

Performance
Engines – 2 X Pratt & Whitney TF30-P-3 generating 18,500 lbs. thrust each
Maximum speed – 1,452 mph   (2,336 km/h)
Cruising speed - 685 mph   (1,102 km/h)
Normal Range - 3,632 miles   (5,845 km)
Service Ceiling - 57,000 ft.   (17,373 m)

Dimensions
Length - 73.5 ft   (22.4 m)
Wingspan - 63.0 ft   (19.2 m) spread; 32.0 ft   (9.74 m) swept
Height - 17.13 ft   (5.22 m)
Wing area - 657.4 ft²   (61.07 m²) spread; 525 ft²   (48.77 m²) swept

Weight
Empty - 47,481 lb   (21,537 kg)
Loaded - 82,843 lb   (37,577 kg)
Maximum takeoff - 98,979 lb   (44,896 kg)
Armament
1 X 20mm M61A1 cannon and up to 24 conventional or nuclear weapons

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