Developed in the 1960s by General Dynamics under Robert McNamara's TFX Program, the F-111 pioneered variable-sweep wings, afterburning turbofan engines, and automated terrain-following radar for low-level, high-speed flight. Its design influenced later variable-sweep wing aircraft, and some of its advanced features have become commonplace.

The versatile “swing wing” F-111 entered the USAF inventory in 1967. The F-111’s wings are straight for takeoffs, landing or slow speed flight, but by sweeping its wings rearward, in can exceed twice the speed of sound (Mach 2).

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.

F-111 wings had full-span slats and double-slotted flaps. The trailing edge of the flaps had a curious ‘bump’ on all variants of the aircraft. They swept back into the top of the fuselage and were covered by large panels called ‘over-wing fairings’.

The F-111 is the first production airplane with a variable sweep wing—a wing configuration that can be changed in flight. The wing provided outstanding aerodynamic efficiency. With wings fully extended, the F-111 could take off and land in as little as 2,000 feet.

The F-111 has variable-sweep wings that allow the pilot to fly from slow approach speeds to supersonic velocity at sea level and more than twice the speed of sound at higher altitudes. Wings angle from 16 degrees (full forward) to 72.5 degrees (full aft).

Oct 14, 2022 · F-111 Crew Module Escape and Survival Systems. The development of the high-speed F-111 aircraft caused the need for an improved egress system. The ejectable crew module was designed to meet this need. read more

Join Wings' Curator Chuck Stout on a journey into the history of the General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark. Special guest Maj. Gen. Ray O'Mara (Ret.) shares his experiences flying the FB-111,...

Jul 2, 2020 · This time he paints an awesomely in-depth picture of what it was like strapping into the cockpit of the legendary F-111 Aardvark during the tumultuous final decade of the Cold War. Joining the F-111 family. I asked for F-15s, F-16s, F-4s, F-111s, or A-10s on my dream sheet. I then called to change the order to put A-10s over F-111s.

Jul 7, 2024 · The General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark is a supersonic, medium-range, multirole combat aircraft that made its maiden flight in 1964. It served with the US Air Force and the Royal Australian Air Force for 37 years, establishing the best …