The F-111 Aardvark has operated in two countries and has since been retired from both of their air forces. It served in both the USAF (United States Air Force) and the RAAF (Royal Australian Air Force) for well over 30 years. The USAF operated the F-111 (A,D,E, and F variants) as well as the EF-111A Aardvark, which was an electronics warfare variant, since its entrance date in 1967 to 1998. The F-111C variant was used in the RAAF from 1973 all the way to 2010 with various upgrades being added over time. This jet was capable of mach 1.2 (915 MPH) at sea level and mach 2.5 (1,650 MPH) at high altitudes. Fun fact this jet can go so fast at such a high altitude it starts melting the paint as well as the electronics inside of the aircraft. It can fly 3,565 miles away with its internal as well as external fuel tanks, with a combat range of 1,330 miles. It could reach max altitude above 60,000 feet. This plane was 73 feet long and 17 feet tall with a 63 foot wingspan expanded and 31 feet when fully swept. Another fun fact is this is one of few aircraft with a feature called wing sweep, this allows their wings to stretch out and retract for increased speed (retracted) or increased lift (stretched out). The F-111F is equipped with two Pratt & Whitney TF30-P-111 turbofan engines, each producing 25,000 pounds of thrust when in full afterburner (using extra fuel to increase thrust). It is capable of carrying 25,000 pounds of ordnance including unguided, guided, and nuclear bombs. It could carry either a 20mm M61A1 cannon with 2,084 rounds or a pave track laser guidance system in its internal weapons bay. Two people were in the cockpit, a pilot and a weapon systems officer sitting side by side. If an Aardvark were ever needed to drop a nuclear bomb two buttons on either side of the aircraft, that both of the crew had to push to release the bomb, acted as a safety lock to prevent miscommunication or misconduct. There was also a shade that covered the cockpit window so the blast would not blind either of the crew. Still one of the most fascinating things to me is the variable wing sweep, I love the technology put into this aircraft and it still amazes me that we made this in 1967.

The F-111C in this picture is dumping fuel to lower its weight and in turn increase its speed, which is also a feature I love about this plane.