General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark

TYPE:

• Two-seat variable geometry multi-purpose fighter.

PROGRAMME:

• After a detailed evaluation of design proposals submitted by General Dynamics and Boeing, the US Department of Defense announced on November 24, 1962 that General Dynamics has been selected as the prime contractor for development of the F-111 tactical fighter (known originally by the designation TFX), with Grumman Aircraft as an associate.
• This development program from the USAF required a long-range interceptor and strike aircraft. However, the US Navy also had a similar program for a carrierborne long-range interceptor. The F-111B fleet fighter, naval version of the F-111, was a disaster. the naval program was cancelled after nine prototypes.
• An initial contract was placed for 18 F-111As for the USAF. Since then further orders have been placed, including 24 F-111Cs (similar to F-111As) for the Royal Australian Air Force, and reconnaissance and strategic bomber versions for the USAF.
• The first YF-111 made its maiden flight on December 21, 1964, later followed by 17 pre-series aircrafts and 141 production F-111A.
• The F-111 was the first tactical aircraft in the world with variable-geometry wings and also the first with afterburning turbofans.
• In 1992 the F-111 was still in service with the air forces of Australia and the USA.

VERSIONS:

• F-111A:
• The first production F-111 ordered by the USAF.
• 141 of these aircrafts were built. These used the 2 Pratt & Whitney TF30-P-3 turoban engines.

• FB-111A:
• Converted F-111A to a strategic nuclear bomber.

• F-111B:
• The naval version of the F-111 ordered by the US Navy.
• The program was a disaster, and cancelled after nine prototypes were built.

• F-111C:
• The exported version of the F-111A's to the Royal Australian Air Force.
• The F-111C were similar to the F-111A's but included a longer wingspan, strengthened landing gears and eight (rather than four on the F-111A) wing pylons.
• These were delivered in 1978.

• F-111D:
• The next upgraded variant of the USAF F-111A's, with more powerful TF30-P-9 engines.
• These also included new engine air inlets and new sophisticated avionics, such as a digital (rather than analog) computer, and the Autonetics APQ-130 multi-mode radar.
• Problems with this version eventually led to 96 being built.

• F-111E:
• Due to the delays in the production of the F-111D, the F-111E was developed first as an interim machine.
• This was basically the F-111A with new inlets, and various ECM and avionics improvements, including a new weapon management system.
• 94 of the F-111E were built.

• F-111F:
• The F-111D was later replaced with the F-111F. This new variant included new avionics and the more reliable and powerful TF30-P-100 turbofan engines, improving the fuel economy.
• The F-111F also included strengthened wing pivots and the removable 'Pave Tack' laser acquisition and designating system in the belly pod.
• A total of 106 F-111F's were built.

• F-111G:
• The designation F-111G was given to ex-SAC FB-111A's, which were revised for tactical use with coventional weapons.

POWER PLANT:

• F-111A: Two Pratt & Whitney TF30-P-3 turbofan engines, each giving 82.3 kN (18500 lb st) with afterburning. Fuel tanks are in the wings and fuselage.
• F-111F: Two Pratt & Whitney TF30-P-100 afterburning turbofans, each giving 11.385 kg (25,100 lb) of thrust.

ARMAMENT:

• Tactical fighter versions carry one M61 multi-barrel 20 mm gun or two 750 lb bombs in internal weapon bay.
• Provision for a total of 13 610 kg (30,000 lb) of disposable stores, including bombs and guided munitions.
• External stores are carried on four attachments under each wing.
• The two inboard pylons on each side pivot as the wings sweep back, to keep the stores parallel with the fuselage.
• The two outboard pylons on each wing are jettisonable and non-swivelling.