The General Dynamics F-111 “Aardvark” 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.

In October 1993 the 429th ECS (Electronic Combat Squadron) “Black Falcons” became the only
USAF unit equipped with the EF-111 Ravens. EF-111 Ravens provided tactical electronic
jamming support to coalition forces enforcing Operation Provide Comfort that was a military
operation to defend Kurds fleeing their homes in northern in 1991. On August 26, 1992 the United
States began Operation Southern Watch to enforce United Nations sanctions against Iraq. The
USAF officially retired the EF-111A in June 1998, and the 429th ECS was inactivated June 19,
1998.

Specifications for the General Dynamics/Grumman EF-111A

Aircraft variant name – Raven

First delivery to combat units - 1981
Number of F-111As converted to EF-111As by Grumman – 42
Role - electronic warfare aircraft
Crew - 2 x Pilot, Electronic Warfare Officer (EWO)
Dimensions
Length – 76 ft   (23.17 m)
Height – 20 ft   (61. m)
Wingspan – 63 ft   (19.2 m) extended / 32 ft   (9.74 m) swept
Wing area – 657.4 ft²   (61.07 m) extended / 525 ft²   (48.77 m²) swept
Weights
Empty – 55,275 lb   (25,072 kg)
Loaded – 70,000 lb   (31,751 kg)
Max takeoff - 89.000 lb   (40,370 kg)
Performance
Powerplant - 2 x Pratt & Whitney P&W TF30-P-3 turbofan, 10,750 lb.s.t dry and 18,500 lb.s.t with
afterburning. (lb.s.t. - Pounds Static Thrust)
Max speed – 1,460 mph   (Mach 2.2 / 2,350 km/h) above 30,000 ft
Max normal range – 2,000 mi   (1,740 nmi, 3,220 km)
Ferry range – 3,800 mi   (3,300 nmi, 6,110 km)
Service ceiling – 45,000 ft   (13,715 m)
ROC – 11,000 ft/min   (3,353m/min)

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