Why was the F-111 called the Pig?
In Australian military and aviation circles, the F-111 Aardvark was affectionately known as the “Pig”, due to its long snout and terrain-following ability. The F-111Cs gave the RAAF a powerful strike capability but were never used in combat.
Who built the F-111?
General Dynamics
General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark/Manufacturers
How far can an F-111 fly?
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Primary Function | Multipurpose tactical fighter bomber. |
| 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. |
What happened to the RAAF F-111?
The operational career of the F-111 came to an end on Dec. 3, 2010 at RAAF Amberley, near Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, as a crew in an F-111C (serial number A8-125) of the Royal Australian Air Force touched down for the aircraft’s last landing. The RAAF had operated the F-111 since 1973.
What is the fastest fighter jet?
Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird
The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird is the fastest jet aircraft in the world, reaching speeds of Mach 3.3–that’s more than 3,500 kph (2,100 mph) and almost four times as fast as the average cruising speed of a commercial airliner. Key elements of the SR-71’s design made this possible.
How fast does an F-111 go?
2,655 km/h
General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark/Top speed
The F-111 was a trailblazer for aircraft tech, with examples being its afterburning turbofan engines, sweep-wing, and automatic terrain-following radar. With its pioneering characteristics and a top speed of 1,650 mph, this high-speed variable-sweep wing aircraft has earned its place in military history.
Are any F-111 still flying?
The F-111 pioneered several technologies for production aircraft, including variable-sweep wings, afterburning turbofan engines, and automated terrain-following radar for low-level, high-speed flight….General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark.
| F-111 Aardvark | |
|---|---|
| Retired | USAF: F-111F, 1996; EF-111A, 1998 RAAF: F-111C, 2010 |
| Status | Retired |
Is F 18 better than f14?
On top of this, the F-14 is much faster than the F-18, as well as being able to pull more g’s in total (mostly negative g’s, although this was restricted later on in the F-14’s service life). The F-14 also has a higher service ceiling. Despite this, the F-18 has a longer combat range, at over triple the F-14’s.
Was the F-111 used in Vietnam?
The F-111 served in a number of combat operations. There have been 14 combat losses, only one of which was a confirmed shoot-down. The remainder of the losses were mid-air collisions, flight into terrain, or unknown. Ten United States F-111s were lost during combat action in Vietnam, Libya and Iraq.
Was the F-111 any good?
The F-111 was a multipurpose tactical fighter bomber capable of supersonic speeds. The aircraft was one of the more controversial aircraft ever to fly, yet it achieved one of the safest operational records of any aircraft in USAF history and became a highly effective all-weather interdiction aircraft.
What was the tail number of the F-111?
As one of the aircraft on the El Dorado Canyon mission, our F-111F, tail number 178 was therefore a participant in what is generally referred to as the longest and most complex fighter mission in aviation history. This aircraft dropped the last bomb on the last night of the Desert Storm War.
What kind of technology does the F-111 have?
The F-111 pioneered several technologies for production aircraft, including variable-sweep wings, afterburning turbofan engines, and automated terrain-following radar for low-level, high-speed flight. Its design influenced later variable-sweep wing aircraft, and some of its advanced features have since become commonplace.
When did the F-111 Aardvark enter service?
The General Dynamics F-111 “Aardvark” was a medium-range interdictor and tactical strike aircraft that also filled the roles of strategic bomber, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare in its various versions. Developed in the 1960s by General Dynamics, it first entered service in 1967 with the United States Air Force.
When did the Australian Air Force start using the F-111?
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) also ordered the type and began operating F-111Cs in 1973. The F-111 pioneered several technologies for production aircraft, including variable-sweep wings, afterburning turbofan engines, and automated terrain-following radar for low-level, high-speed flight.