F111

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Operated by number 82 Wings Nos.1 and 6 Squadron out of RAAF Base Amberley, at Ipswich near Brisbane, the F-111 is even better today than when it was introduced to our Air Force service in June 1973. The twin engine General Dynamics F-111 is a product of the space age, matching awesome firepower with state-of-the-art weapons, navigation and avionics technology.
With numerous weapons, airframe, engine and avionics upgrades, the F-111 remains the fastest and longest range combat aircraft in this region, and operates as an all-weather; day or night air combat strike platform.
The ‘Pig’, as it is affectionately known for its ability to hunt at night with its nose in the weeds thanks to its terrain following radar, is a swing-wing design. It can take-off and land at relatively low speeds with the wings swept forward, then fly at more than twice the speed of sound with its wings tucked back. It can fly close to the ground at supersonic speeds following the terrain to avoid detection. Its attack radar and Pave Tack target detection systems enable the crew to locate targets in bad weather and at night and provide laser designation for precision delivery of laser guided weapons.
Air Force flies three versions of the F-111. The F-111C, the unique RF-111C modified for photo reconnaissance, and the F-111G - which remains unique in capability and helps ensure Australia maintains its strike capability.
The F-111 has a crew of two, the pilot and navigator who operate the weapons systems.
Number 1 Squadron, the oldest squadron in the Royal Australian Air Force dating back to World War 1, flies F-111 strike and reconnaissance operational missions while Number 6 Squadron is responsible for operational training tasks.