General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark

Nicknames: Flying Pig, Whispering Death, Swinger, Switchblade, SparkVark.

Dubbed Aardvark which is Afrikaans for "Earth Pig" ( because of its long snout), the F-111 fighter-bomber was favored by Tactical Air Command ( TAC ) units for use on long range, deep interdiction attacks against targets within enemy territory. The FB-111A was used by the Strategic Air Command ( SAC ) as a medium bomber (See patch below). The Aardvark has side-by-side seating for the pilot and weapons systems operator. The two crew members sat in a pressurized capsule which served as an emergency escape module. This module was designed to permit safe escape throughout the entire flight and could serve as a survival shelter on the ground or in the sea.� A Pave Tack laser designator system enables pinpoint delivery of ordnance. The F-111's wings can be changed in flight from a straight to swept-back delta configuration, hence sometimes they are referred to by their nicknames "Swinger" and "Switchblade".

In 1975, the F-111A underwent modifications by Grumman Aerospace resulting in the EF-111A, which was the electronic warfare derivative of the Aardvark, so it was hardly surprising that its crews quickly adopted the unofficial name "Spark Vark" for their mount. When the modifications were completed, the airframes had been totally re-wired, the weapons bay had been modified and the aircraft was outfitted with the AN/ALQ-99E jamming system which jams enemy radar signals and provide a protective electronic shield for attacking aircrafts.

Initial operational capability (IOC) was achieved in November 1983, and the EF-111A was named the "Raven". Prior to the official designation, Grumman referred to the EF-111A as the "Electronic Fox". As mentioned earlier, the EF-111A community commonly referred to it as the "Spark Vark". The Raven has no armament capability and is therefore forced to rely on high-speed evasion in the event of running into fighters.

However, a dwindling US Defence budget and the drive to consolidate forces, led to the decision to withdraw the Raven from service. The last unit to operate the much-loved and highly effective EF-111A Raven was the 429th Electronic Combat Squadron ( ECS ) at Cannon AFB, New Mexico. The official retirement ceremony was hosted by the 27th Fighter Wing at Cannon AFB, over 1 ~ 3 May 1998, with the final deactivation on 19 June. The Ravens now reside among other classic types in the dusty rows of Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Center (AMARC) formerly known as Military Aircraft and Storage Disposition Center (MASDC). AMARC is located in the Davis-Monthan AFB way out in the Arizona desert and is the "mecca" for literally thousands of surplus aircrafts.

Another era in aviation history has been drawn to a close with the retirement of the EF-111A Raven from US Service.

Aardvark� F-111F� Specifications

Two AIM-9P-3 AAMs for self-defence, and up to 14,228 kg of primary weapons and� "dumb" ordnance, which includes :-

Primary Weapons :

• 500-lb GBU-12 laser guided bombs.

• 2000-lb GBU-10 laser guided bombs.

• 2000-lb GBU-24 laser guided bombs.

• 4800-lb GBU-28 "Deep Throat".

• 2000-lb GBU-15 EO guided bombs.

Dumb Ordnance :

• �Iron bombs.

• �cluster weapons.

• �BLU-107 Durandal anti-runway bombs.

• �B-61 nuclear weapons.