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 sitting 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.
- Crew: 2 X pilot, weapon systems officer
- Performance:
- Engines: 2 X Pratt & Whitney TF30-P-3 generating 18,500 lbs. thrust each
- Maximum speed: 1,452 mph (2,336 km/h)
- Cruising speed: 685 mph (1,102 km/h)
- Normal Range: 3,632 miles (5,845 km)
- Service Ceiling: 57,000 ft. (17,373 m)
- Dimensions:
- Length: 73.5 ft (22.4 m)
- Wingspan: 63.0 ft (19.2 m) spread - 32.0 ft (9.74 m) swept
- Height: 17.13 ft (5.22 m)
- Wing area: 657.4 ft² (61.07 m²) spread - 525 ft² (48.77 m²) swept
- Weights:
- Empty: 47,481 lb (21,537 kg)
- Loaded: 82,843 lb (37,577 kg)
- Maximum Take: 98,979 lb (44,896 kg)
- Armament: 1 X 20mm M61A1 cannon and up to 24 conventional or nuclear weapons