Are there any flying F-111?
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….General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark.
| F-111 Aardvark | |
|---|---|
| Retired | USAF: F-111F, 1996; EF-111A, 1998 RAAF: F-111C, 2010 |
| Status | Retired |
Why does the F-111 dump and burn?
The ability of the F-111 to do a dump & burn is just an accidental side effect of where the fuel dump nozzle was placed – naming in a spot where the dumped fuel could be ignited by the afterburners on the immediately adjacent engines. The only purpose of a F-111 Aardvark “dump & burn” is to look good at airshows.
Why is it called Afterburner?
An afterburner (or reheat in British English) is an additional combustion component used on some jet engines, mostly those on military supersonic aircraft. Afterburning injects additional fuel into a combustor in the jet pipe behind (i.e., “after”) the turbine, “reheating” the exhaust gas.
How fast does an F 111 go?
1,650 mph
General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark/Top speed
The F-111 was a trailblazer for aircraft tech, with examples being its afterburning turbofan engines, sweep-wing, and automatic terrain-following radar. With its pioneering characteristics and a top speed of 1,650 mph, this high-speed variable-sweep wing aircraft has earned its place in military history.
How far can an F-111 fly?
3,565 miles
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Primary Function | Multipurpose tactical fighter bomber. |
| Speed | F-111F — Mach 1.2 at sea level; Mach 2.5 at 60,000 feet. |
| Ceiling | 60,000-plus feet (18,200 meters). |
| Range | 3,565 miles (3,100 nautical miles) with external fuel tanks. |
Why do afterburners have rings?
As the exhaust passes through the normal shock wave, its temperature increases, igniting excess fuel and causing the glow that makes the shock diamonds visible. The illuminated regions either appear as disks or diamonds, giving them their name.
What is the history of the F-111?
* In the 1960s, the US Air Force initiated a program to develop an advanced strike aircraft, which emerged as the General Dynamics “F-111”. After a troublesome development process, the F-111 became an impressive combat asset, providing excellent service to both the US and Australian air forces.
What kind of aircraft is the F-111 Aardvark?
The General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark is an American supersonic, medium-range interdictor and tactical attack aircraft that also filled the roles of strategic nuclear bomber, aerial reconnaissance, and electronic-warfare aircraft in its various versions.
What are the specs of a F-111F bomber?
Specifications (F-111F) 1 Crew: 2 2 Length: 73 ft 6 in (22.40 m) 3 Wingspan: 63 ft (19 m) 4 Lower wingspan: 32 ft (9.8 m) swept 5 Height: 17 ft 1.5 in (5.220 m) 6 Wing area: 657.4 sq ft (61.07 m 2 ) spread, 525 sq ft (48.8 m 2) swept 7 Aspect ratio: 7.56 spread
Why did the F-111 have cracks in the wings?
Cracks in the F-111’s wing attach points were first discovered in 1968 during ground fatigue testing – an F-111 crashed the following year due to this issue. The attach structure required redesign and testing to ensure adequate design and workmanship. Flight testing of the F-111A ran through 1973.