General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark

The variable-sweep strike aircraft built for long-range tactical missions.

Overview

General Dynamics United States ICAO: F111 1967–1976 $10.3 million (1973)

The General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark was developed as a long-range tactical strike aircraft. Entering service in 1967, it introduced variable-sweep wings and terrain-following radar. The aircraft served in strike and electronic warfare roles.

Live Fleet Activity (F111)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
2 × Pratt & Whitney TF30-P-100
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
2 × 25,100 lbf · 112 kN
Avionics
GMR and TFR
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
2
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
73 ft 6 in  ·  22.40 m
Tail height
17 ft 2 in  ·  5.22 m
Fuselage diameter
5 ft 3 in  ·  1.60 m
Wing span
63 ft 0 in  ·  19.20 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
100,000 lb  ·  45,400 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
31,500 lb  ·  14,300 kg
Fuel capacity
5,000 gal · 19,000 L · 15,200 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
1,434 kt  ·  1,650 mph  ·  2,656 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
3,210 nm  ·  3,690 mi  ·  5,940 km
Fuel burn
—
Ceiling
66,000 ft  ·  20,100 m
Rate of climb
25,890 ft/min  ·  132 m/s
Takeoff distance
3,300 ft  ·  1,000 m
Landing distance
3,950 ft  ·  1,200 m
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A General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark during a refueling mission over the North Sea.

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Operational Context

General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark — variable-geometry strike aircraft

The F-111 first flew in 1964 and entered service in 1967. It featured swing wings that allowed optimization for both high-speed dash and efficient cruise. The aircraft was designed for deep penetration strike missions at low altitude.

Powered by two Pratt & Whitney TF30 turbofan engines producing approximately 25,100 pounds of thrust (112 kN) each with afterburner, the F-111 could exceed Mach 2. Maximum takeoff weight exceeded 100,000 pounds (45,360 kg). It carried a wide array of conventional and nuclear weapons.

The F-111 saw combat in Southeast Asia and later conflicts. Its advanced avionics and range distinguished it from earlier strike aircraft. The Aardvark was retired in the 1990s, though related variants served longer in other roles.

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