General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark: books - history

General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark (Osprey)

Despite its uncertain start the F-111 proved to be one of the most successful and influential designs of the 1960s. Its radical 'swing wing' was adopted by the F-14 Tomcat, Panavia Tornado and Rockwell B-1B Lancer while its turbofan-type engines became standard in many combat aircraft.
F-111 crews pioneered tactics using terrain-following and laser targeting devices that made the F-15E Eagle's missions possible. Its 4,000 low-altitude penetration missions during Operation Linebacker in Vietnam showed how individual aircraft can deliver crippling blows to enemy capability without loss to themselves.

Contents: Introduction - Design and Development - Technical Specifications and Variants - Operational History - Conclusion - Bibliography and Further Reading.

F-111 Aardvark - Pilot's Flight Operation Instructions

The F-111 Aardvark flew 4000 combat missions during the Vietnam War, struck Libya in 1986, and saw action during Operation Desert Storm.
Originally designed as a medium-range fighter-bomber, the versatile aircraft proved its meddle as a strategic bomber, tactical strike aircraft, and reconnaissance platform.

When it debuted in 1964, the F-111 ushered in a new era. Equipped with variable-geometry wings, afterburning turbofan engines, and terrain-following radar, the high-tech F-111 was truly groundbreaking.

Originally printed by General Dynamics and the USAF in the 1960s, this F-111 Flight Operating Manual taught pilots everything they needed to know before entering the cockpit. The manual was recently declassified. This affordable facsimile has been reformatted and color images appear in black and white.

General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark

A pictorial history of the F-111, the great jet fighter-bomber built, including 740 color photos covering all models from the F-111A through the F-111K. In addition to a "Roll Call" including histories of each individual aircraft, photos of over 90% of the aircraft are included. Nose art of the FB-111A is covered with 48 photos.

Contents: Program History, Aircraft System Description - USAF Tactical F-111s - Strategic FB-111s - U.S. Navy F-111Bs - Royal Australian Air Force F-111s - British Royal Air Force F-111Ks - F-111 Combat Operations - NASA F-111s.

One hundred and twenty Unit and Campaign patches are included, along with appendices on External Differences, Avionics Systems, F-111 Specifications, a Unit and Tail Code Summary, Attrited Aircraft, and a list of the 113 Aircrew members who died flying the F-111.

F-111: Fort Worth Swinger

At the time of its introduction into service, the F-111 was a revolutionary aircraft and was, without doubt, extremely popular. Capable of delivering a wide variety of ordnance, with a high degree of survivability, it was arguably one of the best tactical aircraft of its time.

Illustrated with 180 color photographs, this book covers the operational period of the F-111 Aardvark and EF-111 Raven including details of all versions produced, including color schemes and special markings, and the units that flew the aircraft operationally from the first in the 1960s through to eventual retirement by the test community in the 1990s.

USAF F/EF-111 Units in Combat (Osprey)

The General Dynamics F-111 was one of the most technically innovative designs among military aircraft, introducing the variable-sweep wing, terrain-following radar, military-rated afterburning turbofan engines and a self-contained escape module among other features.
Designed as a cost-saving, multi-role interceptor, naval fighter and strike bomber, its evolution prioritised the latter role and it became the USAF's most effective long-range strike aircraft during three decades of service. Rushed into combat in Vietnam before some of its structural issues were fully understood, the type suffered several early losses and gained an unfairly negative reputation that dogged it for the rest of its career, and restricted funding for more advanced versions of the design.
However, in Operation Linebacker in 1972 the F-111 flew 4000 nocturnal under-the-radar missions, delivering, with unprecedented accuracy, many decisive blows that would have resulted in heavy losses for any other attack aircraft.

Contents: Genesis of a heavy hitter - Vietnam - El Dorado Canyon - Desert Storm - RAAF and the F-111 legacy - Appendices.