1:72 Hobby Master F-111C Aardvark A8-132, ARDU, RAAF, 1988

The General Dynamics F-111 entered service in 1967 as a medium-range aircraft designed
for interdiction and tactical strikes. The F-111 was used as an all-weather attack aircraft
capable of low-level penetration of enemy territory. It also could be used for reconnaissance
and electronic warfare. Some unique features are variable geometry wings, the 2 crew
members sat side by side in an escape capsule, internal weapons bay; terrain following radar
and after-burning turbofans. The USAF retired their last F-111 in 1998 but the RAAF
continued to use theirs until 2010.


F-111C Aardvark A8-132, USAF serial 67-0132 first flew on October 21, 1968 and arrived in
Australia on July 27, 1973. The aircraft spent 1979 until 1988 at RAAF Aircraft Research and
Development Unit (ARDU) at RAAF base Amberley. A8-132 completed very intense weapons
testing and completed over 30 major trials. At ARDU A8-132 received a paint scheme
consisting of a camouflage upper surface and a white lower surface. The aircraft was retired
in 2010 and sent to RAAF base Edinburgh wearing its former ARDU paint scheme.



Specifications for the General Dynamics F-111C

Name – referred to as “Pig” by the RAAF
Role - two-seat variable geometry, all-weather strike bomber
Entered service - Ordered in 1963, Delivered in June 1973
Crew - 2 side by side in air conditioned and pressurized capsule. The capsule ejects to
provide shelter and protection from outside elements
Powerplant – 2 x Pratt & Whitney TF30-P103 two shaft axial flow turbofan engines rated
@18,500 lb thrust with afterburners
Engine weight - 4,062lb   (1,843 kg)
Performance
Max Speed (clean) - Mach 2.4 @ 40,000ft, Mach 1.1 @sea level
Typical range - cruise 485 mph at 19,000ft
Climb rate (combat) - 23,000ft/min
Ceiling Height - 50,000 / 65,000ft (depending on weight)
Ferry range with internal fuel - 3,700 miles
Dimensions
Length - 73ft 6in   (22.4m)
Height - 17ft 1.4in   (5.22m)
Wing area - 550sq ft   (51.1m2)
Wing Sweep
16 degrees (extended) - 70ft   (21.33m) span
72 degrees (full) sweep - 33ft 11.5in   (10.35 m)

Armament
1 x 20mm M61A1 Vulcan with 2,084 rounds. (No longer carried)
4 x GBU-15, 2000lb T.V. Guided Bombs
4 x GBU-10, 2000lb Laser Guided bombs
4 x Mk.84, 2,000lb bombs
20 x Karinga cluster bomblet dispensers
24 x 25lb practice bombs
24 x 25 lb high-drag practice bombs
4 x Harpoon, radar guided anti shipping missiles
4 x GBU-12, 500lb Laser guided
20 x Mk.82 500lb iron bombs with high-drag tail attachment
24 x standard Mk.82 bombs
Up to 6 x AIM-9 Sidewinder, Air-Air Missiles
6 x 600 gallon drop tanks
The internal weapons bay can house either fuel, bombs or the AVQ-26 Pave Tack Target
Designator