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
The F-111F Aardvark: Development and History
The F-111 Aardvark, designed by General Dynamics, was a revolutionary aircraft with a blend of advanced technologies that made it versatile and highly effective in combat roles. The F-111F model, the ultimate variant of the series, became famous for its precision strike capabilities, long-range performance, and ability to operate under various conditions. This history explores the F-111F’s development, the innovations it introduced, its combat deployments, and its legacy within the U.S. Air Force.
Origins of the F-111 Program
In the early 1960s, the U.S. Department of Defense identified a need for an aircraft that could perform both tactical bombing and interception roles across multiple branches of the military. This led to the Tactical Fighter Experimental (TFX) program, aimed at creating a multi-role aircraft suitable for various missions. The U.S. Air Force required a bomber that could carry heavy payloads over long distances at both high and low altitudes. Simultaneously, the Navy wanted a fleet defense interceptor capable of protecting its carrier groups from Soviet bomber threats.
These combined requirements led to a complex design process that resulted in the F-111. General Dynamics won the contract to develop the aircraft, which introduced several groundbreaking features, such as variable-sweep wings, terrain-following radar, and afterburning turbofan engines. The F-111 was the first operational aircraft to employ variable-sweep wings, allowing it to perform optimally at both high-speed and low-speed settings. This technology enabled it to take off and land on shorter runways while achieving supersonic speeds at high altitudes.
Introduction of the F-111F
The F-111A was the first version of the Aardvark to enter service, but ongoing technological advancements and combat experience led to further modifications and improvements. The F-111F, introduced in the mid-1970s, became the most capable and sophisticated version of the series. Equipped with upgraded avionics and more powerful engines, the F-111F had superior performance and accuracy compared to its predecessors.
One of the key advancements in the F-111F was the integration of the Pave Tack targeting pod, which allowed for laser-guided munitions targeting. This system provided the F-111F with pinpoint accuracy in strike missions, making it one of the first aircraft capable of delivering precision-guided munitions with such effectiveness. The F-111F was also fitted with the TF30-P-100 afterburning turbofan engines, giving it increased thrust and better fuel efficiency, which extended its range and allowed it to carry heavier payloads.
The F-111F's avionics suite was highly advanced for its time. Its radar system allowed for all-weather capability, and its terrain-following radar enabled the aircraft to fly at very low altitudes while avoiding obstacles, making it ideal for strike missions in hostile airspace. This system, combined with its electronic countermeasure systems, provided a level of survivability that was crucial during its deployment in combat zones.
Combat Deployments and Operational History
The F-111 saw its first combat action during the Vietnam War with the F-111A model, which demonstrated the effectiveness of low-level bombing tactics. Despite some initial mechanical issues, the F-111A’s ability to deliver payloads precisely in all-weather conditions made it valuable in the conflict. However, the F-111F would later distinguish itself in other theaters of operation, proving its effectiveness and reliability as a strike aircraft.
One of the F-111F’s most famous combat missions occurred in 1986 during Operation El Dorado Canyon. Following a series of terrorist attacks linked to Libyan intelligence, President Ronald Reagan authorized an airstrike on key targets in Libya, including military installations in Tripoli and Benghazi. The F-111Fs flew from Royal Air Force bases in the United Kingdom, covering a round-trip distance of over 5,000 miles with multiple aerial refuelings. The mission was a success, with the F-111Fs delivering precise strikes on Libyan targets, demonstrating the aircraft’s long-range strike capability and precision. This mission also highlighted the F-111F’s ability to evade hostile air defenses, as it managed to penetrate Libyan radar networks and avoid interception.
The Gulf War in 1991 marked another significant chapter in the F-111F’s combat history. By this time, the F-111F was among the most advanced strike aircraft in the U.S. Air Force’s inventory, thanks to its precision-guided munitions and advanced targeting systems. During Operation Desert Storm, the F-111Fs were tasked with striking high-value targets, including Iraqi command centers, air defenses, armored divisions, and infrastructure critical to Iraq's war capabilities. Equipped with laser-guided bombs and cluster munitions, the F-111Fs played a crucial role in dismantling Iraqi military capabilities. One notable mission involved the destruction of heavily fortified bunkers that housed Iraqi command personnel and equipment. The F-111F’s ability to deliver precision strikes with minimal collateral damage made it an invaluable asset during the campaign.
During Desert Storm, the F-111Fs achieved a high success rate in their missions, with minimal losses. The aircraft’s combination of speed, range, and payload capacity allowed it to conduct deep strikes far into enemy territory, often flying at low altitudes to avoid radar detection. The F-111F’s success in Desert Storm cemented its reputation as one of the most capable strike aircraft of its time and underscored the value of precision-guided munitions in modern warfare.
Technological Innovations and Legacy
The F-111 series introduced several technological innovations that would influence future aircraft designs. Its variable-sweep wings were groundbreaking, providing both agility and stability across various speeds and altitudes. The terrain-following radar allowed it to fly at extremely low altitudes automatically, reducing the risk of detection and increasing mission survivability in heavily defended airspace. This capability was particularly useful in Cold War scenarios, where the F-111F was designed to operate behind enemy lines and deliver strikes on strategic targets.
The F-111F’s Pave Tack targeting pod represented a significant leap in targeting technology. This pod allowed the F-111F to accurately identify and engage targets using laser-guided munitions, a capability that set a new standard for precision bombing. This technology would later become a standard feature in many modern combat aircraft, proving the value of precision-guided munitions in reducing collateral damage and increasing mission success rates.
Furthermore, the F-111F’s success in combat missions influenced the development of other precision strike platforms, such as the F-15E Strike Eagle. While the F-111F was eventually retired, the concept of a fast, all-weather, precision strike aircraft continues in modern U.S. Air Force operations. Its contributions to military aviation paved the way for advancements in avionics, targeting systems, and multi-role capabilities.
Retirement and Legacy
By the 1990s, advancements in aircraft technology and changing military requirements led to the gradual phasing out of the F-111 series. The U.S. Air Force retired the F-111F in 1996, with the role of precision strike aircraft taken over by newer platforms like the F-15E Strike Eagle and the F-117 Nighthawk. These aircraft could perform similar roles with more advanced stealth and avionics systems, making the F-111F’s technology increasingly outdated despite its impressive track record.
The retirement of the F-111F marked the end of an era for the U.S. Air Force. Known for its unique design and role in precision strike missions, the F-111F left a lasting impact on military aviation. Former pilots and crew members often spoke highly of the aircraft’s reliability and performance, noting its resilience and effectiveness in high-stakes combat situations.
Today, the F-111F remains a celebrated aircraft among aviation enthusiasts and military historians. Its legacy lives on through the advancements it brought to precision bombing and strike tactics, influencing the design and operational concepts of future aircraft. Static displays of the F-111F can be found in various aviation museums, where it continues to captivate audiences with its distinctive appearance and storied history. The F-111F’s combination of speed, firepower, and technological innovation secured its place as one of the most formidable strike aircraft of its time.
Media
Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.
See also
- 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 | |
| F9F | F9F-2 · F9F-5 · F9F-8 |
| 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-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-14 | F-14A Early · ▄F-14A IRIAF · F-14B |
| F-15 | F-15A · F-15C MSIP II · F-15E |
| F-16 | F-16A · F-16A ADF · F-16C |
| 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-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 |
| F-111 | F-111A · F-111F |
| Other | A-6E TRAM · F-105D · F-117 |
| Bombers | |
| B-57 | B-57A · B-57B |
