Profile image

F-111A Aardvark

123k Inuyasha8215  4.3 years ago

The General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark is a retired American supersonic, medium-range interdictor and tactical attack aircraft that also filled the roles of strategic nuclear bomber, aerial reconnaissance, and electronic-warfare aircraft in its various versions. The word "aardvark" is Afrikaans for "earthpig" and reflects the look of the long nose of the aircraft that might remind one of the nose of the aardvark. Developed in the 1960s by General Dynamics, it entered service in 1967 with the United States Air Force. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) also ordered the type and began operating F-111Cs in 1973.

The F-111 pioneered several technologies for production aircraft, including variable-sweep wings, afterburning turbofan engines, and automated terrain-following radar for low-level, high-speed flight. Its design influenced later variable-sweep wing aircraft, and some of its advanced features have since become commonplace. The F-111 suffered a variety of problems during initial development. Several of its intended roles, such as an aircraft carrier-based naval interceptor with the F-111B, failed to materialize.

Controls:
AG1: Fold Wings
AG2: Jettison Boom 75
AG3: Jettison Boom 50 Rack
VTOL: Flaps

General Characteristics

  • Successors 1 airplane(s) +21 bonus
  • Created On Windows
  • Wingspan 39.3ft (12.0m)
  • Length 47.9ft (14.6m)
  • Height 11.6ft (3.6m)
  • Empty Weight N/A
  • Loaded Weight 11,804lbs (5,354kg)

Performance

  • Power/Weight Ratio 5.711
  • Wing Loading 35.7lbs/ft2 (174.5kg/m2)
  • Wing Area 330.3ft2 (30.7m2)
  • Drag Points 4595

Parts

  • Number of Parts 106
  • Control Surfaces 5
  • Performance Cost 852