General Dynamics F-111E is a piece of digital artwork by Arthur Eggers which was uploaded on May 27th, 2012.
General Dynamics F-111E
The General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark was a medium-range interdictor and tactical strike aircraft that also filled the roles of strategic bomber,... more
Title
General Dynamics F-111E
Artist
Arthur Eggers
Medium
Digital Art - Color Print
Description
The General Dynamics F-111 "Aardvark" was a medium-range interdictor and tactical strike aircraft that also filled the roles of strategic bomber, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare in its various versions. Developed in the 1960s, it first entered service in 1967 with the United States Air Force. The F-111 pioneered several technologies for production aircraft, including variable-sweep wings, afterburning turbofan engines, and automated terrain-following radar for low-level, high-speed flight. The F-111E was a simplified, interim variant of the F-111D. The E-model was first ordered in 1968 and delivered from 1969-71. It achieved initial operational capability in 1969. A total of 94 F-111Es were built with the variant's first flight occurred on 20 August 1969. Some F-111Es were based in the UK until 1991. Shortly after arriving at the 20th TFW, Upper Heyford. In November 1971, the wing's F-111s were declared operationally ready. In March 1986, the 66th Electronic Combat Wing detached the 42nd ECS to the 20th TFW to take part in Operation Eldorado Canyon, the raid on Libya. On 14 April 1986, 5 EF-111As and 20 F-111Es took off from RAF Upper Heyford as part of the attack force. The Air Force F-111 variants were retired in the 1990s. On 15 December 1993 the flight line at RAF Upper Heyford was closed. On 1 January 1994 the 20th Fighter Wing inactivated at RAF Upper Heyford and was transferred without personnel or equipment to Shaw AFB.
Uploaded
May 27th, 2012