Academy 12254 Aardvark F-111C

The General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark was an American multi-role variable wing geometry jet aircraft from the Cold War and modern times. The flight of the aircraft took place in 1964 and its production began in 1967. In total, about 560 aircraft of this type were built. In the F-111 F version, the drive was provided by two Pratt and Whitney TF-30-P-100 engines, each with a thrust of 112 kN with afterburning. The aircraft's on-board armament consisted of a single 20mm M61A1 Vulcan cannon. The machine could also carry a load of bombs and rockets with a total weight of up to 14,300 kilograms.

Work on General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark started in the early 1960s and established a joint fighter and fighter-bomber machine for the air force and the navy. It was assumed that ultimately the F-111 would replace or complete the F-8 and F-4 planes in the line. At the time of its introduction to the F-111 line, it began to be perceived as a machine that was not very successful and was troubled by technical problems. What's more, it is expensive to buy and operate. Over time, however, along with the adaptation of the F-111 to new tasks, it turned out to be a machine with at least satisfactory parameters. Several versions of this aircraft were created, including: F-111A (basic version), F-111B (version dedicated to the US Navy, but not entered into production), F-111C (version intended for Australia), F-111D ( a highly modernized version A with new engines and electronics) or the F-111F (version with an extended and modernized avionics). Australia was the main and only foreign user of the F-111 aircraft.