The General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark is a retired supersonic, medium-range, multirole combat aircraft. Production models of the F-111 had roles that included attack (e.g. interdiction), strategic bombing (including nuclear weapons capabilities), reconnaissance and electronic warfare.

The General Dynamics FB-111 was SAC’s medium-range bomber, capable of flying supersonic speeds at 200 feet above the ground and twice the speed of sound above 35,000 feet. It was the strategic/theater bomber version of the F-111 multi-purpose aircraft.

Jan 9, 2021 · With the B-1 canceled, the Air Force looked to a radically revised, truly strategic FB-111 variant that carried more than double the fuel and weapons.

The General Dynamics FB-111 was SAC’s medium-range bomber, capable of flying at supersonic speeds at 200 feet above the ground and at twice the speed of sound above 35,000 feet. It was the strategic/theater bomber version of the F-111 multi-purpose aircraft.

The F-111 served in the United States Air Force from 1967 through 1996. The displayed F-111 flew as the lead aircraft in strikes against Libyan targets in Tripoli during the 1986 OPERATION EL DORADO CANYON and again led strikes in OPERATION DESERT STORM.

Jun 25, 2024 · Originally known as the TFX (Tactical Fighter “X”), the F-111 was conceived to meet a US Air Force requirement for a new tactical fighter-bomber. In 1960 the Department of Defense combined the USAF’s requirement with a Navy need for a new air superiority fighter.

The FB-111A was the first F-111 version to fly with the Triple Plow II air intakes which were mounted four inches farther from the airframe. The two crew members sat side by side in a pressurized capsule which served as an emergency escape module.

Jul 10, 2016 · 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...

Designed as a multi-role strike fighter, the F-111 pioneered many new technologies, including variable sweep wings to provide optimum performance at all speeds, and a terrain-following radar system which allowed it to fly at very low level and high speed over a changing terrain.

The FB-111A was planned to replace the B-58 and to have the mission flexibility the B-58 lacked. The swing wing design was the key to meeting an Air Force requirement for a medium-range bomber capable of high- and low-altitude supersonic flight.