F-111F
| This page is about the American strike aircraft F-111F. For other versions, see F-111 Aardvark (Family). |
Contents
Description
The F-111F Aardvark is a rank VII American strike aircraft with a battle rating of 11.7 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update "Dance of Dragons".
General info
Flight performance
Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.
| Characteristics | Max speed (km/h at _,___ m) |
Max altitude (metres) |
Turn time (seconds) |
Rate of climb (metres/second) |
Take-off run (metres) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AB | RB | AB | RB | AB | RB | |||
| Stock | ___ | ___ | 12192 | __._ | __._ | __._ | __._ | ___ |
| Upgraded | ___ | ___ | __._ | __._ | __._ | __._ | ||
Details
| Features | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Combat flaps | Take-off flaps | Landing flaps | Air brakes | Arrestor gear | Drogue chute |
| ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | X | X |
| Limits | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wings (km/h) | Gear (km/h) | Flaps (km/h) | Max Static G | |||
| Combat | Take-off | Landing | + | - | ||
| 0 | 611 | ___ | ___ | ___ | ~__ | ~__ |
| Optimal velocities (km/h) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Ailerons | Rudder | Elevators | Radiator |
| < ___ | < ___ | < ___ | - |
Engine performance
| Engine | Aircraft mass | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine name | Number | Basic mass | Wing loading (full fuel) | |||
| _____ | _ | _,___ kg | ___ kg/m2 | |||
| Engine characteristics | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) | Max Gross Weight | ||||
| Weight (each) | Type | _m fuel | __m fuel | __m fuel | ||
| ___ kg | ___ | _,___ kg | _,___ kg | _,___ kg | _,___ kg | |
| Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB) | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (___%/WEP) | |||||
| Condition | 100% | ___%/WEP | _m fuel | __m fuel | __m fuel | MGW |
| Stationary | ___ kgf | ___ kgf | _.__ | _.__ | _.__ | _.__ |
| Optimal | ___ kgf (_ km/h) |
___ kgf (_ km/h) |
_.__ | _.__ | _.__ | _.__ |
Survivability and armour
Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.
Modifications and economy
| Flight performance | Survivability | Weaponry | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Armaments
| Ballistic Computer | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCIP (Guns) | CCIP (Rockets) | CCIP (Bombs) | CCRP (Bombs) | EEGS |
 |
 |
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Offensive armament
The F-111F is armed with:
- 120 x countermeasures
- 60 x large calibre countermeasures
Suspended armament
Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.
| Default weapon presets | |
|---|---|
| |
Usage in battles
Usage in Battles
The F-111F is best utilized in a ground-attack and strike role due to its high payload capacity, advanced radar systems, and speed. In Realistic and Simulator Battles, its effectiveness is amplified with careful planning and support from teammates. Here are some points to consider:
- Low-Altitude Strikes: With its terrain-following radar, the F-111F can fly low to avoid radar detection and anti-air threats, making it highly effective in ambush-style attacks on ground targets.
- Payload Versatility: The F-111F carries a wide array of ordnance, including guided bombs and cluster munitions, allowing it to adapt to various target types, from armored vehicles to fortified structures.
- Team Cooperation: This aircraft thrives with air cover, as it lacks dogfighting capability. Collaborate with teammates to secure the airspace, allowing the F-111F to focus on ground operations.
- Threats and Countermeasures: Enemy fighters and SAM systems pose the most significant risk. Engaging evasive maneuvers at high speeds and utilizing chaff and flares can help evade missiles.
- Game Modes:
- AB: The F-111F’s speed and payload make it a powerful asset in Arcade, where it can rapidly engage targets without the fuel and physics limitations of other modes.
- RB: In Realistic, players should plan their routes carefully, leveraging terrain for cover and coordinating with air support.
- SB: Simulator mode demands precision; the F-111F can effectively use its radar and avionics for pinpoint strikes but requires skillful navigation and positioning to avoid detection.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Fast plane at low altitude
- A diverse selection of weaponry for ground and air battles alike
- MAWS (Missile Approach Warning System) is present, which detects missile launches
- The AIM-9L Sidewinder missile comes stock and is proficient for self-defense
Cons:
- Due to its immense size, the F-111F is not maneuverable compared to other planes at its battle rating
- Similar to its predecessor, it has poor energy retention when its wings are swept back
History
History of the F-111
The beginning of the development of the F-111 dates back to the early 1960s, when the US Air Force needed a new aircraft capable of performing a wide range of tasks, including bombing, aerial reconnaissance, but also anti-ground operations. The aircraft was to be effective at high altitudes as well as at low altitudes. At this time, the TFX (Tactical Fighter Experimental) project was created, the goal of which was to develop an aircraft that could be used by both the main military branches of the USA - the Air Force and the Navy.
The main designer of the aircraft was Robert Widmer, and the company General Dynamics participated in the development. The result of their work was a machine with the designation F-111, which stood out with unique technologies such as variable (moving) wings. These wings allowed the aircraft to change shape depending on the speed and altitude of the flight, thus achieving high flexibility and aerodynamic efficiency. This innovation was groundbreaking at the time and allowed the aircraft to perform low penetrations into enemy territory with high precision and stability.
The F-111 prototype first flew in 1964. Despite initial technical difficulties, the aircraft soon became an invaluable asset to the US Air Force. The F-111 was originally designed as a joint platform for both the Air Force and the Navy, but due to technical differences between the requirements of the two branches, it was ultimately developed and adopted only by the Air Force.
Development versions and modifications
The F-111 was produced in several versions that were adapted to specific tasks. Among the most important are:
F-111A – The original version, which was mainly used for testing and training.
F-111B - Planned version for the Navy, but canceled due to incompatibility with aircraft carriers.
F-111C – Export version for Australia.
F-111D – Version with upgraded avionics and improved radar.
F-111E – Modified version with improved engines.
EF-111A Raven – Electronic combat version designed to jam enemy radars.
Each of these versions had its own specifics and was adapted to fulfill specific tasks, thereby contributing to the versatility of this aircraft.
F-111F - Detailed view of a specific version
The F-111F represents the last and most advanced variant of the F-111 series, which entered service in the early 1970s and participated in significant combat operations. This version brought several major improvements that made the F-111F one of the most effective strike aircraft of its time.
In terms of design, the F-111F was equipped with more powerful Pratt & Whitney TF30-P-100 engines, which provided approximately 11,000 kg of thrust each. This version also had improved electronics, including the advanced AN/AVQ-26 Pave Tack radar system. This system allowed accurate targeting of the target in any conditions, which significantly increased the effectiveness of the aircraft at night and in bad weather conditions.
The F-111F also had the ability to carry a wide variety of weapons, including cruise missiles, laser-guided bombs, conventional bombs, and even nuclear weapons. During operations such as Operation Eldorado Canyon in 1986, the F-111F successfully engaged in bombing missions against targeted positions in Libya, demonstrating excellent accuracy and endurance.
Deployment
The F-111 saw significant combat use in several conflicts, primarily during the latter half of the 20th century. Its first major engagement was during the Vietnam War, where F-111A models were deployed under the nickname "Whispering Death" due to their low-level, nighttime bombing runs. The aircraft’s advanced terrain-following radar allowed it to fly at very low altitudes, avoiding radar detection while delivering payloads with high accuracy. Although early missions encountered technical issues that led to losses, modifications improved its performance, and it ultimately played a valuable role in strategic bombing operations in Vietnam.
Another critical moment for the F-111 came during Operation El Dorado Canyon in 1986, where F-111F models were deployed for a retaliatory strike against Libyan targets. In this mission, the F-111F flew from England, refueled multiple times mid-air, and penetrated Libyan air defenses to target key sites in Tripoli and Benghazi. The strike was successful, showcasing the F-111's long-range capability, precision targeting, and ability to evade enemy radar. The mission demonstrated the F-111’s prowess in precision strikes over long distances, earning it recognition as a highly effective deep-strike aircraft.
The F-111 was also deployed during the Gulf War in 1991, where it was crucial in the air campaign against Iraq. This operation demonstrated the aircraft’s versatility and strike power, as F-111Fs destroyed strategic targets, including fortified bunkers, armored columns, and bridges, aiding in weakening Iraqi military capabilities. Equipped with laser-guided bombs, the F-111F performed highly precise strikes, which helped minimize collateral damage. The aircraft’s performance in the Gulf War marked its final combat operation, showcasing its exceptional range, payload capacity, and precision strike capability—making it one of the U.S. Air Force’s most effective strike aircraft before its retirement in the 1990s.
Media
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s98K2pUY-x8
also
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Dynamics_F-111_Aardvark
- Related development
- Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
External links
| General Dynamics Corporation | |
|---|---|
| Jet Fighters | F-16A · F-16A ADF · F-16C |
| Strike Aircraft | F-111A · F-111F |
| Export | ▄F-16A ADF · ▄F-16A · ▄F-16AM · ␗F-16A MLU · F-16AJ · Netz · F-16D Barak II · F-16C Barak II |
| F-111C | |
| See also | SABCA |
| USA jet aircraft | |
|---|---|
| Fighters | |
| F-4 | F-4C Phantom II · F-4E Phantom II · F-4J Phantom II · F-4S Phantom II |
| F-5 | F-5A · F-5C · F-5E · F-20A |
| F-8 | F8U-2 · F-8E |
| F-80 | F-80A-5 · F-80C-10 |
| F-84 | F-84B-26 · F-84F · F-84G-21-RE |
| F-86 | F-86A-5 · F-86F-25 · F-86F-2 · F-86F-35 |
| F-89 | F-89B · F-89D |
| F-100 | F-100D |
| F-104 | F-104A · F-104C |
| F-14 | F-14A Early · F-14B |
| F-15 | F-15A · F-15C MSIP II |
| F-16 | F-16A · F-16A ADF · F-16C |
| F9F | F9F-2 · F9F-5 · F9F-8 |
| Other | P-59A · F2H-2 · F3D-1 · F3H-2 · F4D-1 · F11F-1 |
| Strike Aircraft | |
| FJ-4 | FJ-4B · FJ-4B VMF-232 |
| A-4 | A-4B · A-4E Early |
| A-6 | A-6E TRAM |
| A-7 | A-7D · A-7E · A-7K |
| AV-8 | AV-8A · AV-8C · AV-8B Plus · AV-8B (NA) |
| A-10 | A-10A · A-10A Late · A-10C |
| B-57 | B-57A · B-57B |
| F-105 | F-105D |
| F-111 | F-111A · F-111F |
