"The F-111 Aardvark: Vietnam and Gulf War Warrior" Topic

(and It Almost Killed Qaddafi)

"The General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark was a low-altitude strike plane born out of a shotgun wedding between competing Air Force and Navy requirements—with Defense Secretary McNamara as the minister. Despite its troubled adolescence, it grew into a capable high-tech night bomber that lasted decades in service, noted for its sleekly elegant profile.

In the early 1960s, the Air Force came to realize that new, radar-guided surface-to-air missiles such as the Soviet SA-2 could reach its slow, high-altitude bombers. In response, it devised a new concept: a smaller long-range supersonic bomber that could skim close to the ground, below radar systems. At the same time, the U.S. Navy was looking for a fast, long-range carrier-based interceptor armed with air-to-air missiles that could take out Soviet bombers from a distance.

Newly appointed Defense Secretary Robert McNamara was convinced that a single aircraft could satisfy both requirements, thereby saving on development costs. The Army and Navy were less keen on compromising their visions, but were forced to cooperate on the so-called TFX program. A contract was awarded to General Dynamics in 1962. Because the design was smaller than Air Force strategic bombers, and the service eschewed the "attack" designation used by the Navy, it was designated with an "F" for fighter…"
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Amicalement
Armand

This is a funny looking airplane that never caught the public eye or the gamer's imagination as much as it deserved. There should he a Dan Verssen Leader game for it.

Agree!

Amicalement
Armand

I was there when the final F111 airshow at Williamtown RAAF base was held. It was a perfect day weather wise. I have always liked the "Pig". There is now one on static display at Fighterworld adjacent to RAAF Williamtown along with a Metoer, Sabre, Mirage III, Hunter, Mig 21, etc. Worth a look if you are in the area.

A very versatile aircraft that has not gotten the respect it deserves. Don't forget the Libya raids.

Nice minis of both F-111 and EF-111 available at luftwaffe1946.com in 1/300th scale.