The General Dynamics F-111 "Aardvark" is a medium-range interdictor and tactical strike aircraft that also fills the roles of strategic bomber, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare in its various versions. Developed in the 1960s and first entering service in 1967, the United States Air Force (USAF) variants were officially retired by 1998. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) is the sole remaining operator of the F-111.
The F-111 pioneered several technologies for production military aircraft including variable-sweep wings, afterburning turbofan engines, and automated terrain following radar for low-level, high-speed flight. Its design was influential, being reflected in later Soviet aircraft such as the Sukhoi Su-24, and some of its advanced features have since become commonplace. During its inception, however, the F-111 suffered a variety of development problems, and several of its intended roles, such as naval interception, failed to materialise.
In USAF service the F-111 has been effectively replaced by the F-15E Strike Eagle for medium-range precision strike missions, while the supersonic bomber role has been assumed by the B-1B Lancer. In 2007, the RAAF decided to replace its 21 F-111s in 2010 with 24 F/A-18F Super Hornets.
The Australian government decided to order 24 F-111C aircraft in 1963 to replace the Royal Australian Air Force's English Electric Canberras in the bombing and tactical strike role. While the first aircraft was officially handed over in 1968, structural integrity problems found in the U.S. Air Force F-111s delayed the entry into service of the F-111C until 1973. USAF F-4 Phantom IIs were leased as an interim measure. Four F-111Cs were modified to RF-111C reconnaissance versions.
Since their introduction Australia's F-111s have been operated by the No. 1 Squadron RAAF in the strike role, with the No. 6 Squadron RAAF operating the aircraft as an operational conversion unit. A temporary flight designated the Washington Flying Unit ferried to Australia the first 12 F-111Cs from the United States in 1973, and F-111s had been lent to the RAAF's Aircraft Research and Development Unit.
• Scale 1:48
• Total Plastic Parts 541pcs
• Total Sprues 19 sprues, lower fuselage, upper fuselage and 4 tyres
• Camouflage Scheme 1. Australian Air Force F-111C A8-131, 30 years! and 2. Australian Air Force A8-127
• Detailed fuselage w/accurate design
• Canopy can be assembled open/closed
• Wing sweep can be varied
• Optional position flap
SKU HB80349
Brand Hobbyboss

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