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)

United States Air Force 65th Anniversary

Today marks the sixty-fifth birthday of the United States Air Force . Here is a great historical video produced by the 2nd Combat Camera Squadron celebrating the Air Force's sixty-five illustrious years. Towards the end of the video, pay special attention and you'll see an FB-111A in flight!

Air Force 65th Anniversary Video

(Illustration by Harry Paige, Robins Air Force Base Public Affairs.)

F-111 On The Web

So, you're a visitor to this blog and want some additional information about the F-111.  Where do you find it?

There are plenty of books about the F-111, but today's digital learner utilizes the world wide web.  You navigate to a search engine such as, Google and type F-111 in the search box.

A number of websites may pop up.  You'll find a lot of information on the F-111 Wikipedia page however this information may not be very accurate.  

Two other good websites are http://www.FB-111A.net and http://www.F-111.net.   Both websites are historical and reference in nature.  While FB-111A.net is specific to the Strategic Air Command's FB-111A, F-111.net on the other hand is a site which features all variants of the F-111.

FB-111A.net is a user friendly, up to date website with a companion Facebook page.  Both the FB-111A.net Facebook page and website do an excellent job in connecting with those associated with the FB-111 program. 

F-111.net, like FB-111A.net, also features a companion Facebook page, however F-111.net's pages are not updated on a regular basis.   The F-111.net Facebook tends to lack variety, and is mostly linear with focusing on primarily memorabilia.  

I personally like the Save The F-111 Facebook page. The page is updated on a regular basis with information and photos.  I like the fact that this page features all variants of the F-111.

I'm wondering if people still utilize the F-111 websites for information or has their been a shift to social media.

www.F-111.net

F-111.net Facebook page

www.FB-111A.net

FB-111A.net Facebook page

Save The F-111 Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/SaveTheF111

By The Numbers

Here is something to ponder.  Out of all the F-111s operated by the United States Air Force only the FB-111A/F-111G and F-111D versions did not see combat. 

The F-111A saw service in Vietnam.  In more recent times, the EF-111A, F-111E, and F-111F variants were used extensively during Operation Desert Storm and some subsequent contingency operations. 

Baghdad Express

Yesterday, September 12, 2012 marked the official dedication of F-111E Aardvark serial number 68-0039, Baghdad Express at the Shaw Air Force Base air park, in Sumter South Carolina. The aircraft features the artwork “Baghdad Express” as well as mission markings from Operation Desert Storm.

During its operational career the aircraft was assigned to the to 20th Fighter Wing, Royal Air Force Upper Heyford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom.

After leaving the Bone Yard at Davis Monthan Air Force Base Arizona earlier this year, the aircraft was transported to Shaw where it refurbished with a new paint job, replete with markings of the 77^th Fighter Squadron “Gamblers” .

U.S. Air Force Col. Lance Kildron, 20th Fighter Wing vice commander (center) welcomes Airmen and guests to the F-111E Aardvark dedication ceremony, Sept. 12, 2012, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. The F-111E is a significant part of the 20th Fighter Wing’s history as it was first flown as a part of the wings arsenal in 1970. Aircraft 68-0035 and 680045 landed at Royal Air Force Upper Heyford 42 years ago, starting a new era for the wing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kenny Holston/Released)