F-111 strike aircraft
The Royal Australian Air Force F-111 was a supersonic long-range strike aircraft. It was operated by No 1 Squadron and No 6 Squadron.
Air Force operated three versions of the F-111:
- the F-111C strike fighter
- the unique RF-111C, modified for photo-reconnaissance work
- ex-US Air Force F-111G's, which help ensure Australia maintains its strike capability until the F-111 is retired.
The F-111 was a twin-engine swing-wing aircraft, which could take off and land at relatively low speeds with the wings swept forward, then fly at more than twice the speed of sound with its wings tucked back. It could fly close to the ground at supersonic speeds, following the terrain to avoid detection.
It could strike day or night in any weather. Its Pave Tack targeting system could locate targets at night and in bad weather and provided laser designation for laser-guided weapons.
It was affectionately known as the 'Pig' for its ability to hunt at night with its nose in the weeds, thanks to its terrain-following radar.
Related links
General Dynamics F-111 technical specifications
| Manufacturer |
General Dynamics |
| Role |
Long-range strike fighter |
| Crew |
Pilot and navigator, who also operates the weapons systems |
| Engine |
Two Pratt and Whitney TF-30 turbofans (9,500 kg thrust each) |
| Airframe |
Length: 23m, height: 5.3m |
| Wingspan |
21.3m extended, 10.3m swept |
| Weight |
24,000kg basic, 51,846kg fully loaded |
| Speed |
Supersonic at sea level, Mach 2.5 at altitude |
| Range |
Ferry range in excess of 5,500km |
| Ceiling |
Above 50,000 feet |
| Weapons |
- Harpoon anti-ship missiles
- Sidewinder air-to-air missiles
- Laser-guided bombs
- Conventional bombs
|
| Avionics |
- Digital flight controls
- Terrain-following radar
- Attack radar
- Pave Tack target system
- Inertial navigation and integrated weapons system
|
