Hobby Master HA3029 | FB-111A "Tiger Meet 1978" 68-0247, 509th BW, 393rd BS, Pease AFB

General Background:

The General Dynamics F-111 entered service in 1967 as a medium-range aircraft designed for interdiction and tactical strikes. The F-111 was used as an all-weather attack aircraft capable of low-level penetration of enemy territory. It also could be used for reconnaissance and electronic warfare. Some unique features are variable geometry wings, the 2 crew members sat side by side in an escape capsule, internal weapons bay; terrain following radar and afterburning turbofans. The USAF retired their last F-111 in 1998 but the RAAF continued to use theirs.

The Aircraft:

68-027 FB-111A was built in 1968 as C/N B1-19. In 1978 the NTM (NATO Tiger Meet) was to be held at Kleine Brogel, Belgium so 68-0247 that was assigned to the 509BW/393BS based at Pease AFB was sent to take part. In 1989 SACs F-111s were being replaced by B-1B bombers so F-111As were converted to F-111Gs. Some F-111Gs were spared from the Bone Yard and sent to the RAAF while the rest went to AMARC. In 1993 68-0247 was the USAF’s last flying F-111G to arrive there with 5,490 flight hours.

General Dynamics F-111A specifications
Crew – 2 X pilot, weapon systems officer
Performance
Engines – 2 X Pratt & Whitney TF30-P-3 generating 18,500 lbs. thrust each
Maximum speed – 1,452 mph (2,336 km/h)
Cruising speed - 685 mph (1,102 km/h)
Normal Range - 3,632 miles (5,845 km)
Service Ceiling - 57,000 ft. (17,373 m)
Dimensions
Length - 73.5 ft (22.4 m)
Wingspan - 63.0 ft (19.2 m) spread; 32.0 ft (9.74 m) swept
Height - 17.13 ft (5.22 m)
Wing area - 657.4 ft² (61.07 m²) spread; 525 ft² (48.77 m²) swept
Weight
Empty - 47,481 lb (21,537 kg)
Loaded - 82,843 lb (37,577 kg)
Maximum takeoff - 98,979 lb (44,896 kg)
Armament
1 X 20mm M61A1 cannon and up to 24 conventional or nuclear weapons