The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) also ordered the F-111 and began operating the F-111C in 1973. The F-111 entered service in 1967 with the United States Air Force (USAF). Several specialized models, such as the FB-111A strategic bomber and the EF-111s electronic warfare aircraft, were also developed later on. A fighter variant intended for the United States Navy, the F-111B, was canceled before production it was intended for aircraft carrier-based roles, including long-range interception. The F-111 suffered problems during initial development, largely related to the engines. Its design influenced later variable-sweep wing aircraft, and some of its advanced features have become commonplace. 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. General Dynamics–Boeing AFTI/F-111A Aardvark

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