15 Facts About the F-111 Aardvark That Changed Air Combat Forever

The F-111 Aardvark is one of the most important planes in air combat history. It introduced new technology and changed how fighter jets were designed and used in battle.

Whether you’re a fan of military history or just curious about this aircraft, these facts will show you why the F-111 Aardvark made such a big impact.

1. Features Cutting-Edge Design

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The F-111 Aardvark introduced variable-geometry wings, meaning it could change its wing shape during flight. This feature gave it flexibility at different speeds, making it highly versatile for multiple combat roles.

2. Originates from the TFX Project

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Originally called the TFX (Tactical Fighter Experimental) when it was developed in the 1960s, it was designed to meet the needs of both the U.S. Air Force and Navy, although the Navy version was eventually canceled.

It was developed to kill anything that moved on the battlefield.

3. Gets the Nickname “Whispering Death”

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Dubbed as the “Whispering Death,” the F-111 could fly very fast and low, making it hard for enemy radar to detect. This allowed it to sneak past enemy defenses, especially during nighttime missions in the Vietnam War and other conflicts.

4. Uses a Escape Capsule

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Unlike most planes that used regular ejection seats, the F-111 had a special crew escape capsule. In an emergency, both pilots could eject together in this capsule, making it much safer and increasing the chances of survival.

5. Carries a Huge Bomb Load

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This aircraft could carry a massive amount of bombs, up to 31,000 pounds of different kinds of weapons, including laser-guided bombs and nuclear weapons. This made it an extremely powerful aircraft for major bombing missions.

6. Consistently Proves Itself in Combat

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During its service, the F-111 Aardvark flew over 4,000 combat missions, especially in the Vietnam War. (ref) It lost only six aircraft in combat, showing its strength and reliability in dangerous situations.

7. Flies the Longest Combat Mission

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In an impressive achievement, the F-111 set the record for the longest fighter combat mission in history. It flew nearly 6,400 miles in 13 hours from the UK to Libya during Operation El Dorado Canyon in 1986.

8. Uses Advanced Radar Technology

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With its advanced terrain-following radar, the F-111 could fly low and hit targets with accuracy, even in bad weather. This radar system played a vital role in missions like Linebacker II, where visibility was poor.

9. Masters Supersonic Speeds

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The F-111 was capable of flying at supersonic speeds and even set records for low-altitude supersonic flights. It was designed to be effective at both high speeds and low altitudes, making it a powerful force against ground targets.

10. Overcomes Early Design Issues

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In its early days, the F-111 had some design problems, especially with its wing stabilizers. These issues were fixed by the 1970s, allowing the aircraft to return to combat operations with improved performance.

11. Leaves a Lasting Legacy

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Though retired in 1996, the F-111 remains an important part of aviation history. It is often compared to modern multirole fighters, like the F-35, for its innovative design and capabilities during its time.

12. Has a Place in Space History

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The sound of the F-111 was so unique that it was recorded and included on the Golden Record, which was sent into space with the Voyager spacecraft.(ref) This represented the aircraft as an example of human progress and technology.

Even though it’s no longer in service, the F-111’s legacy continues to inspire modern fighter jets, proving just how important it was in shaping the future of air warfare.