General Dynamics F-111C

General Dynamics F-111C
Country	USA
Role	Fighter-bomber and reconnaissance aircraft
First flight	July 1968
Built	28

The General Dynamics F-111C (nicknamed “Pig”) is a variant of the F-111 Aardvark medium-range interdictor and tactical strike aircraft, developed by General Dynamics to meet Australian requirements. The design was based on the F-111A model but included longer wings and strengthened undercarriage. The Australian government ordered 24 F-111Cs to equip the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in 1963, but the aircraft were not delivered until 1973 because of long-running technical problems.

Source: General Dynamics F-111C on Wikipedia

F-111C Walk Around
Photographer	Fotios Rouch
Localisation	Unknow
Photos	54

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General Characteristics and Role

The General Dynamics F-111C is a variant of the F-111 Aardvark swing-wing interdictor and tactical strike aircraft, specifically developed for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). It combined the F-111A’s fuselage with the larger, longer-span wings of the FB-111A strategic bomber, along with a strengthened undercarriage to handle heavier weights. Known affectionately as the “Pig” by RAAF crews for its long snout and terrain-following capability, the F-111C served as Australia’s primary long-range strike and reconnaissance platform from 1973 until its retirement in 2010. Its key features were the variable-sweep wings, terrain-following radar, and an escape crew capsule.

Property	Typical Value
Role	Tactical Strike, Interdiction, Reconnaissance (RF-111C)
National Origin	United States (Variant for Australia)
Manufacturer	General Dynamics
Service Entry (RAAF)	1973
Crew	2 (Pilot and Weapon Systems Officer, side-by-side)
Length	22.41 m (73 ft 6 in)
Wingspan (Extended/Max Sweep)	19.2 m (63 ft) / 9.73 m (31 ft 11 in)
Maximum Takeoff Weight	Approx. 41,504 kg (91,500 lb)

Powerplant and Performance

Engines: Two Pratt & Whitney TF30-P-100/109RA afterburning turbofans.
Maximum Thrust (P-100/P-109RA): Approx. 80 kN dry / 112 kN afterburner (P-100); 92.7 kN dry / 121 kN afterburner (P-109RA).
Maximum Speed (High Altitude): Mach 2.5 (2,655 km/h / 1,650 mph).
Maximum Speed (Sea Level): Mach 1.2 (1,390 km/h / 865 mph).
Combat Radius (Hi-Lo-Hi): Approx. 2,140 km (1,330 mi) with combat load.
Ferry Range (Max Fuel): Approx. 6,115 km (3,800 mi).
Key Technology: Terrain-Following Radar (TFR) coupled to the autopilot for automatic, high-speed, low-level flight penetration.

Armament and Avionics

Internal Weapons Bay: Could carry two M117 750 lb bombs, one nuclear weapon, auxiliary fuel, or the 20 mm M-61A1 Vulcan rotary cannon (seldom fitted).
External Hardpoints: 9 total (8 under-wing, 1 under-fuselage).
- Capacity: Up to 14,288 kg (31,500 lb) of ordnance.
- Swiveling Pylons: Four underwing pylons pivot with the wing sweep to maintain alignment.
Armament Capability:
- Conventional Bombs: General purpose bombs (Mk-82, Mk-84).
- Guided Munitions: Laser-Guided Bombs (LGBs) using the AN/AVQ-26 Pave Tack pod (fitted in the weapons bay).
- Missiles: AGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missile, AGM-142 Stand-Off Weapon, and AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles for self-defense.
Reconnaissance Role: Four aircraft were converted to the RF-111C variant, carrying a pallet of cameras and sensors (like the panoramic KA-56E and AN/AAD-5 Infrared Linescanner) in the weapons bay.