The F-111 is a multipurpose tactical fighter bomber capable of supersonic speeds. It can operate from tree-top
level to altitudes above 60,000 feet. The F-111 can carry conventional as well as nuclear weapons . It can carry up to two bombs
or additional fuel in the internal weapons bay. External ordnance includes combinations of bombs, missiles and fuel tanks. The
loads nearest the fuselage on each side pivot as the wings sweep back, keeping ordnance parallel to the fuselage. Outer pylons
do not move but can be jettisoned for high-speed flight.
The F-111A first flew in December 1964. The first operational aircraft was delivered in October. A models were
used for tactical bombing in Southeast Asia. Developed for the U.S. Navy, the F-111B was canceled before its production.
F-111C's are flown by the Royal Australian Air Force.
The F-111D has improved avionics with better navigation, air-to-air weapon delivery systems, and newer turbofan engines.
The E model has modified air intakes to improve the engine's performance at speeds above Mach 2.2. The F-111F has Improved
turbofan engines give F-111F models 35 percent more thrust than previous F-111A and E engines. The avionics systems of the
F model combine features of the F-111D and E. The last F-model was delivered to the Air Force in November 1976. The F models
have been modified to carry the Pave Tack system in their weapons bays. This system provides an improved capability to acquire,
track and designate ground targets at night for delivery of laser, infrared and electro-optically guided weapons.