General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark
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General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark
Role:
Two-seat variable geometry multi-purpose fighter.
DESIGN FEATURES:
Cantilever shoulder wing. Wing section of NACA 63
series, with conventional washout. Sweepback of outer
wing portions variable in flight or on the ground from
16o to 72o 30'.
LANDING GEAR:
Hydraulically retractable tricycle type. Single wheel
on each main leg. Twin-wheel nose unit retracts
forward. Main gear is a triangulated structure with
hinged legs which are almost horizontal when the gear
is extended.
POWER PLANT:
Two Pratt & Whitney TF30-P-3 turbofan engines, each
giving 82.3 kN (18500 lb st) with afterburning. Fuel
tanks in wings and fuselage. Pressure fuelling point in
port side of fuselage, forward of engine air intake.
ACCOMMODATION:
Crew of two side by side in air-conditioned and
pressurised cabin. Portion of canopy over each seat is
hinged on aircraft centreline and opens upward.
Zero-speed, zero-altitude (including underwater)
emergency escape module developed by McDonnell Douglas
Corporation and utilising a 178 kN (40000 lb st) Rocket
Powe Inc rocket motor.
ARMAMENT:
Tactical fighter versions carry one M61 multi-barrel 20
mm gun or two 750 lb bombs in internal weapon bay.
External stores are carried on four attachments under
each wing. The two inboard pylons on each side pivot as
the wings sweep back, to keep the stores parallel with
the fuselage. The two outboard pylons on each wing are
jettisonable and non-swivelling.
Aircraft Measures:
Length: 73 ft., 6 in.
Height: 17 ft.
Wingspan:
Swept: 32 ft.
Unswept: 63 ft.
Loaded Weight:100,000+
Aircraft Performance:
Maximum Speed: Mach 2.5
Service Ceiling: 60,000+ ft
Range: 3,378 miles
Thrust: 50,200 lbs