General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark

The General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark is an American two-seat, twin-engined, supersonic, all-weather, medium-range interdiction, and tactical strike aircraft. Later, the strategic nuclear bomber, aerial reconnaissance, and electronic-warfare missions. Developed initially for service with the USAF (F-111A) and US Navy (F-111B), the navy cancelled in 1968 in favour of the Grumman F-14 Tomcat. The F-111A first flew on December 21, 1964, entering service in 1967, with the USAF. Production ended in 1981, with 563 airframes built.

Airframe construction is mainly of aluminium alloy, some steel and titanium, and other materials, a semi-monocoque fuselage with an internal weapons bay. Pilot and Weapon Systems Officer sit side by side in a cockpit escape capsule. Most variants had terrain-following radar connected to the autopilot.

Wings are shoulder-mounted variable-sweep and along with the tail are cantilevered. The empennage has a single fin and all-moving tail-planes. The undercarriage is a retractable tricycle type.

Powered by two Pratt & Whitney TF30 afterburning axial-flow turbofan engines, the F-111 has a maximum speed of 2,656 km/h (1650 mph), a combat range of 5,940 km (3,690 mi) and a service ceiling of 20,000 m (66,000 ft).

Armament consists of a single 20 mm (0.787 in) M61A1 Vulcan 6-barreled Gatling cannon in the weapons bay. Nine external hard-points plus two in weapons bay able to carry up to 14,300 kg (31,500 lb) of stores: four under each wing and one under the fuselage. Ordnance includes air-to-air, anti-ship and air-to-surface missiles, guided or unguided bombs including nuclear, drop tanks, and mission-specific pods.