The word 'aardvark' originated in the Afrikaans language, as a contraction of 'earth-pig', and this was the source of the F-111's nickname of 'Pig', during its Australian service.ĭeveloped in the 1960s by General Dynamics under Robert McNamara's TFX Program, the F-111 pioneered variable-sweep wings, afterburning turbofan engines, and automated terrain-following radar for low-level, high-speed flight. The name Aardvark was derived from perceived similarities of the aircraft to the animal: a long nose and low-level, terrain-following capabilities. interdiction), strategic bombing (including nuclear weapons capabilities), reconnaissance and electronic warfare. Production models of the F-111 had roles that included attack (e.g. The General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark is a retired supersonic, medium-range, multirole combat aircraft. Use the 'Back' arrow on your browser to return to this page.General Dynamics–Boeing AFTI/F-111A Aardvark (SAC used differentĬolors and pattern from the F-111s assigned to TAC and USAFE). All colors were from Testor’s Model Master line. Of FS 34079 Green, FS 34159 Green, FS 34201 Tan, with the standard white anti-flash bottom. My FB-11A is finished in the standard 70’s SAC SIOP scheme consisting In the weapons bay were taken from the Testor’s/Italeri F-117 kit. Modified with the aerodynamic fairing that cover the rear of the missile when The AGM-69 SRAMs came form the Revell B-1B kit and were Modified to represent the differences between weapons and tank pylons. In addition to the tanks, the kit pylons are incorrect for the FB-111Īnd were replaced by two sets of Maintrack Models FB-111 pylons which were also Outboard tank and pylon are positioned to represent the 10 degree nose in angle The kit provided external tanks are inaccurate and I replaced them withįour tanks taken from Monogram’s A-10. SRAM’s, and two B-61 nuclear gravity bombs in the weapons bay. The configuration consist of four external tanks, two external AGM-69 My model depicts a late 70’s SIOP EWO configured FB-111A from the Would allow me to slide them in position after final painting and decaling was The wings and fuselage were assembled in a manner that

Maybe someone could convince Paragon to produce a long wing I cut the flap/slat surfaces from the kit wings and scratch built newįlaps, leading edge slats and fuselage glove vanes using sheet styrene onceĪgain. Model), I was unable to use Paragon’s exquisite flap/slat set which isĪppropriate for the A/D/E/F/EF models only.

Since the FB-111 uses the extended span wing (3 ½ ft longer) of the B/C To drop/extend the flaps and slats on my model.

In keeping with my desire to create a more candid appearance, I decided The stellar navigation system was located on the raised area between the canopy Small details were added such as antennas, dialectric panels, and the window for Using photos and an actual FB-111 Technical Order as a guide, I cut theīay area open, scratch built the bay and fabricated new doors and door hinges To give my FB a more candid appearance, I decided to open the weapons Intakes for the first stage engine compressors. I also boxed in the intakes and added fan blade fronts to represent the The main and nose gear wells, detailed the gear struts withīrake/hydraulic/electrical lines and added MV lenses for landing/taxi lights. I next turned my attention to the fuselage where I rebuilt and detailed Lastly, the canopy was tinted using Tamiya smoke. I cut the canopy open using a razor saw and added theĪppropriate latches and other small canopy details including the flash curtains. Rear of both the Aircraft Commander’s and Radar-Navigator’s consoles. Modifications included the addition of FB specific console and main panelĭetails and added the Combat Mission Folder (CMF) storage boxes located at the Starting with the cockpit, I totally discarded the kit provided partsĪnd used the Verlinden F-111F cockpit, which I modified to FB standard. Using the Academy 1/48 scale FB-111 as a basis, I proceeded to modify Although retired from SAC service in 1991, the FB was redesigned F-111GĪnd would remain in the USAF inventory a few more years and later, a number were The FB-111A entered service as a long range medium bomber with SAC inġ969 with the 340 th Bomb Wing, then at Carswell AFB, Texas.

The long span wing found on the F-111B and F-111C, Fuselage length increased byĢ ft, 1 in, additional mission avionics, ECM, AGM-69A SRAM capability, stronger main landing Major differences between the F and FB models included the addition of Strategic Air Command’s nuclear deterrent mission. The FB-111A, derived from the F-111A, was modified to perform the USAF USAF Strategic Air Command, Pease AFB, New Hampshire, 1979

Fb 111 cockpit