F-111A "Aardvark"

The F-111A was the world’s first production variable-sweep wing fighter. It completed its maiden flight on 21 December 1964, at Carswell AFB, Texas. The aircraft could exceed twice the speed of sound (Mach 2) by sweeping its wings rearward while in flight. The wings were swept forward for takeoffs, landing, or slow speed flight. Flight test programs were carried out at Edwards AFB on nearly every model of the F-111 series almost continuously from 1965 to 1990. The aircraft on display was the first F-111A built and flown. Its entire service career was spent at Edwards where it performed the full spectrum of flight test. It was restored by the 6515th Field Maintenance and Organizational Maintenance Squadrons in 1986 and was placed on display here on 15 October 1986-exactly 22 years after it was first rolled out from General Dynamics’ Fort Worth factory. On loan from the USAF Museum.

Edwards AFB, California · United States