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.

The RAAF ordered 24 F-111Cs that had serials A8-125 to A8-148. On September 4 1968 the
RAAF was handed the first F-111C but the advanced wing sweep mechanism has problems.
It wasn’t until 1973 when the problem was solved and the RAAF acceptance was given. The
24 aircraft were delivered in 4 flights with the first flight arriving at Amberley on June 1, 1973.
The lead aircraft was A8-125 flown by Group Captain J.W. Newham and Wing Commander T.
C. Owen. A8-148, the last aircraft arrived on December 4, 1973. The aircraft was in service
with 1 Squadron and then transferred to 6 Squadron. A8-148’s last live ordnance drop took
place on May 12-13, 2010. The aircraft was retired on December 3, 2010 and there is a
chance it may be heading for preservation.

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)

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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