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)