F-111 Aardvark
by Staff EditorThe F-111 is a supersonic, all-weather multi-purpose tactical fighter-bomber that achieved one of the safest operational records of any aircraft in U.S. Air Force history. The F-111 was the first production aircraft with variable swing-wings, able to change geometry to enhance its efficiency, and also boasted the first crew escape module and the first terrain-following radar. The F-111 was unofficially known as the Aardvark because of its long nose. The Aardvark name finally became official at a ceremony in 1996 retiring the last four F-111s in U.S. Air Force service. Although no longer in U.S. Air Force inventory, the Australians plans to fly their Aardvarks well into the 21st Century.
F-111F Specifications:
| Manufacturer: | General Dynamics Corp. |
| First Flight: | 12/1964 |
| Wingspan: | 63.0 ft. (19 m) full forward, 31.96 ft. (11.9 m) full aft |
| Height: | 17.13 ft. (5.13 m) |
| Length: | 73.5 ft. (22.0 m) |
| Max Take-off Weight: | 100,000 lbs. (45,000 kg) |
| Thrust: | 25,000 lbs. (111 kN) with afterburners |
| Top Speed at Altitude: | Mach 2.5 |
| Ceiling: | 60,000+ ft. (18,200+ m) |
| Range: | 3,100 nm (5,900 km) |
| Crew: | Two |
