The F-111 featured a variable swept-wing design that allowed pilots to reduce takeoff and landing distance by extending the aircraft’s wings and sweeping them to reach supersonic speeds at high and low altitudes. The aircraft combined a terrain-following navigation system with the Pave Tack target designating system to attack ground targets with laser guided bombs. The F-111 served in the United States Air Force from 1967 through 1996.
The displayed F-111 flew as the lead aircraft in strikes against Libyan targets in Tripoli during the 1986 OPERATION EL DORADO CANYON and again led strikes in OPERATION DESERT STORM. The F-111’s cockpit has a side by side arrangement with the pilot on the left and the Weapon System Officer on the right. This aircraft arrived at the museum in May 1996.
TECHNICAL NOTES:
Armament: AN/AVQ-26 Pave Tack infrared targeting pod guiding up to 24 individual bombs
Engines: Two Pratt & Whitney TF30-P-111s each of 25,100 lbs of thrust with afterburner
Maximum speed: 1,452 mph
Range: 2,971 miles
Span: 32 ft. swept, 63 ft. extended
Length: 73 ft. 6 in.
Height: 17 ft.
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