The General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark showed a distinction against an inauspicious start, designed to meet the ambitious requirement by the United States Department of Defense for a multi-role aircraft having the ability to fulfill several diverse tactical needs across services. It was intended to execute such missions as ground attack/interdiction, strategic nuclear bombing, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare.
The F-111 Aardvark came into service with the U.S. It was inducted into the Air Force way back in 1967, and to a large extent, it was recruited as a bomber. What set it apart from all others had to do with its design and the things it could do. Less obvious went to be the fact that, as the first production variable geometry wing aircraft, F-111s could sweep their wings from 16 to what is angles degrees enabling them to come from low-speed flight to supersonic speeds above Mach 2. Besides, this aircraft was the first with afterburning turbofan engines, thus providing the thrust to fly at supersonic speeds across the Atlantic Ocean to Europe on just one tank.
Among the most prominent characteristics were the advanced avionics of the F-111, which obtained the ability to fly at night and in all weathers at very low altitudes. Its radar system could guide the aircraft at just 200 feet off the ground, adjusting for changing terrain without pilot intervention. Add the capability of finding and bombing targets in inclement weather, and the Aardvark really looks formidable.
It offered almost twice the range against a similar F-4 Phantom weapons load during the Vietnam War. Other modifications included in the F-111F improved model are the available AN/AVQ26 Pave Tack infra-red targeting pod to pursue and designate ground targets for laser, infrared, and electro-optically guided bombs.
The F-111 really showed its prowess during the 1986 “Operation El Dorado Canyon” airstrikes on Libya. The aircraft flew a round-trip distance of 6,400 miles from the United Kingdom to Libya in what was then the longest fighter combat mission in history, spanning 13 hours with four aerial refueling on the way out and four on the way back. Notwithstanding that one of its formation was lost, the mission was considered successful.
This versatility and capability were again verified to exist in 1991 in the conduct of Operation Desert Storm, when the airplane flew over 2,400 sorties against Iraqi strategic installations, vehicle formations, and hardened bunkers, emerging as one of the most effective Allied airplanes in the conflict.
In all, 566 F-111s of all series were built, with the last F-111F having been retired from service with the United States Air Force in 1996. This would be replaced in its capacity for medium-range precision strike missions by the F-15E Strike Eagle. The role of supersonic bomber was given to the B-1B Lancer. The legacy of the Aardvark, a truly multi-role combat aircraft based on state-of-the-art technology coupled with awesome versatility, is engraved in the annals of the world’s aviation history.