F-111 Aardvark

Ordered in 1960, the F-111 was originally a joint program to develop a deep-strike fighter-bomber for the AF and a long range interceptor for the Navy. It introduced many innovations, including the first terrain-following radar for automatic low level flying down to 200 feet and the first swivel wing design for low and high speed regimes of flight. The F-111 had an extended range capability unmatched by other fighters at the time. With the introduction of the F-111F, with its upgraded avionics and terrain-following radar, more powerful engines, and laser-guided bombs, the F-111 emerged as a superb long-range strike aircraft. These aircraft flew air strikes against Libya in 1986 and Iraq during Desert Storm in 1991, and the EF-111 flew in Iraq during Desert Storm in 1991 and Bosnia in 1995. About 540 F-111s were built in various models, with the Australian Air Force still flying their F-111C models today. This F-111E, serial number 68-0058, was one of 96 F-111E strike models built and was last flown by the 40th Flight Test Squadron stationed at Eglin AFB, FL.

Florida · United States