Diecast

Some of the best models of F-111s I’ve ever seen are die cast models produced by a company called Hobbymaster from Hong Kong.  Hobbymaster produces eleven different F-111 models, which are part of their 1/72^nd Air Power Series. These model F-111s range the gamut from Royal Australian Air Force F-111s, and United States Air Force F-111s from T.A.C. (Tactical Air Command), U.S. Air Forces In Europe and FB-111As from S.A.C. (Strategic Air Command). The Air Power Series has other scales including 1/32^nd, 1/48^th, and 1/444^th.  Hobbymaster also features other die cast models in their Ground Power Series and Airliner Series. Although, the die cast F-111s retails between $70-$90 each, which I find exorbitant, I’ve been told that their craftsmanship and quality are justifiable.  This post on this blog does not constitute an official endorsement of Hobbymaster.

 United States Air Force F-111A  474^th Tactical Fighter Wing, Thailand in 1972

     Royal Australian Air Force F-111C “Pig” No.6 Squadron, No.82 Wing, "A8-127"

 United States Air Force EF-111 Raven 42nd Electronic Combat Squadron, 
Royal Air Force Upper Heyford, 
United Kingdom 1989 
"LET'EM EAT CROW"

      
Royal Australian Air Force F-111G "A8-274 “60th Anniversary of 
Number 6 Squadron, July 1999

 United States Air Force F-111G "69-6506" 428th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron, 
27th Tactical Fighter Wing, 
Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico

 United States Air Force FB-111A "AARDVARK" 68-0271, 509th Bombardment Wing, 
Pease Air Force Base,New Hampshire 1974 
"New Hampshire Special"

      United States Air Force F-111F "70-2390" 48th Tactical Fighter Wing, Royal Air Force Lakenheath, United Kingdom. (CO., Nov 1991)

     Royal Australian Air Force F-111 A8-125,  "Final Flight"

United States Air Force F-111E "Aardvark" 68-0049, 79th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 
North Atlantic Treaty Organization Tiger Meet, 1991

    United States Air Force F-111E Aardvark "The Chief" 68-0020, 20th Tactical Fighter Wing, Royal Air Force Upper Heyford, United Kingdom. (Flagship, 1989)

     Royal Australian Air Force F-111C PIG A8-148, No. 1 Squadron,  (camouflaged scheme)

TFR

The view from an F-111.  Photo via F-16.net

The F-111 was designed to fly low and fast! The aircraft's terrain following radar system allowed the F-111 to fly low in order to avoid threats such as enemy radar, anti aircraft artillery (AAA), and surface to air missiles. 

It was not uncommon for the F-111 to fly several thousand feet to several hundred feet above ground level (AGL).  This type of flying later become known as TFing.

The fight crew can decide how many g-forces will be exerted on the aircraft by switching a button and selecting either hard, medium or a soft ride.

Here are two videos from You Tube.   The first example shows an F-111F TFR mission from Mountain Home Air Force Base Idaho on September 7, 1973. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3sIwGvkLlY


The second video shows a Royal Australian Air Force F-111 Pig making a low pass at Evan's Head Range, New South Wales, Australia  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8124lhm6d7o

An F-111 flying TFR in Southeast Asia

Swing Wing

The F-111 was unique in that it utilized a crew escape capsule with side-by-side seating and a variable geometry wing design.

To fly fast the wings would sweep back and to fly slowly the wings would sweep forward.  During takeoffs and landings the wings would be in the forward position.

Eventually other aircraft such as the F-14 Tomcat, B-1B Lancer, Panavia Tornado, Tupolev Tu-22 Backfire, Tupolev Tu-160 Blackjack, Mikoyan-Gurevich Mig-23 Flogger, and the Sukhoi Su-24 Fencer utilized swing-wing designs.

Three Royal Australian Air Force F-111s with their swing-wings set at different wing configurations.  18 September 2012.  Photo by Jason B, Australia. 

General Dynamics F-111A

The F-111A could change the angle or “sweep” of its wings in flight. This image shows three different wing positions. With the wings swept forward, the F-111A had more lift to carry heavier loads, and it could land or take off at a slower speed. With the wings swept back, the F-111A could fly at very high speeds. (U.S. Air Force photo)

General Dynamics F-111A

Four-photo sequence showing F-111A wing sweep. (U.S. Air Force photo)