General Dynamics F-111E Aardvark

Medium-range interdictor and strike aircraft By: General Dynamics Origin: USA First Flight: 1964

About This Aircraft

The General Dynamics F-111E Aardvark was an American supersonic, medium-range, multirole combat aircraft that served with the USAF. It was a revolutionary aircraft for its time, featuring variable-sweep wings, afterburning turbofan engines, and a crew escape capsule. The F-111 was designed for long-range, low-altitude, high-speed penetration of enemy airspace. The F-111E was a tactical strike variant, and this example, 67-0120, served with the USAF at RAF Upper Heyford in the UK for many years as part of NATO's Cold War force. It was capable of carrying a heavy bomb load, including nuclear weapons, and was equipped with advanced terrain-following radar, allowing it to fly automatically at just a few hundred feet above the ground.

Specifications

Engine: Two Pratt & Whitney TF30-P-100 afterburning turbofans | Max Speed: Mach 2.5 | Wingspan: 63 ft (19.2 m) spread; 32 ft (9.75 m) swept

Museums Featuring This Aircraft

Exhibits can change. To avoid disappointment, before visiting, please check the museum website for up-to-date exhibit listings.