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F-111 Aardvark
The F-111 Aardvark was a multipurpose tactical fighter/bomber
capable of all-weather interdiction and high-speed nuclear
strike. The Aardvark was one of the more controversial fighters
ever to fly, yet achieved one of the safest operations records.
The F-111 could operate from tree-top level to above 60,000ft.
and could achieve Mach 2.5, the F-111 had a range of 2,500NM
on internal fuel. The F-111 was retired in 1996.
Primary Function: Multipurpose tactical fighter bomber.
Contractor: General Dynamics Corporation.
Power Plant: F-111A/E, two Pratt & Whitney TF30-P103 turbofans.
Thrust: F-111A/E, 18,500 pounds (8,325 kilograms) each with afterburners;
F-111D, 19,600 pounds (8,820 kilograms) with afterburners;
F-111F, 25,000 pounds (11,250 kilograms) with afterburners.
Length: 73 feet, 6 inches (22.0 meters).
Height: 17 feet, 1 1/2 inches (5.13 meters).
Wingspan: 63 feet (19 meters) full forward; 31 feet, 11 1/2 inches (11.9 meters) full aft.
Speed: F-111F -- Mach 1.2 at sea level; Mach 2.5 at 60,000 feet.
Ceiling: 60,000-plus feet (18,200 meters).
Range: 3,565 miles (3,100 nautical miles) with external fuel tanks.
Weight: F-111F, empty 47,481 pounds (21,367 kilograms).
Maximum Takeoff Weight: F-111F, 100,000 pounds (45,000 kilograms).
Armament: Up to four nuclear bombs on four pivoting wing pylons, and two in internal weapons bay. Wing pylons carry total external load of 25,000 pounds (11,250 kilograms) of bombs, rockets, missiles, or fuel tanks.
20 CBU-52
20 CBU-59
20 CBU-71
8 CBU-87
8 CBU-89
20 MK-20
4 BL-755
Unit cost: $FY98
[Total Program] $75 million.
Crew: Two, pilot and weapon systems officer.
Date Deployed: October 1967.
Inventory: None, retired in 1996
[formerly Active force, 225; ANG, 0; Reserve, 0]
In all 563 F-111s in several variants were built.
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