RF111CA8143 1 Squadron RAAF Tindal Nov 1999

General Background

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 sat 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.

The Aircraft

In 1963 Australian ordered 24 F-111Cs. In 1992 another 15 F-111G aircraft were delivered. Between 1979 and 1980 four F-111Cs were modified to RF-111C reconnaissance variants. Delivered in 1973 F-111C A8-143 was one of the 4. In 1975 Indonesia invaded East Timor and in 1999 after years of violence, the UN issued a resolution to restore peace. Australia took the lead and the RAAF sent 10 F-111s and numerous other types to RAAF Tindal to operate over East Timor and help restore peace. RF-111C was written off in 2006.

Specifications

• 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