General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark

The General Dynamics F‑111 Aardvark was a revolutionary, swing‑wing aircraft that entered service with the United States Air Force in 1967 and remained operational until 1998. Developed from the 1960s TFX competition, the F‑111 combined the speed of a fighter with the payload of a bomber, featuring variable‑geometry wings, afterburning turbofan engines, and a terrain‑following radar that allowed low‑level, high‑speed penetration of defended airspace. Its crew of two sat in a side‑by‑side cockpit equipped with digital flight‑control computers, providing precise handling even in the most aggressive manoeuvres. The aircraft served in several roles, including tactical strike, strategic bombing, electronic warfare, and reconnaissance; specialized variants such as the EF‑111A Raven added electronic‑attack capability. The F‑111’s ability to deliver up to 31,500 pounds of ordnance at supersonic speeds and to operate from short, austere runways made it a key asset during the Vietnam War, the 1973 Arab‑Israeli conflict, and the Gulf War. Its innovative design influenced later swing‑wing aircraft and demonstrated the viability of integrated avionics and fly‑by‑wire concepts, cementing the F‑111’s place as a milestone in modern military aviation. It remains studied by aerospace engineers worldwide.

General Dynamics

General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark

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