The Ultimate bomber just got an upgrade! Today, we’ll be covering not one, but two new variants of the mighty F-111 Aardvark, including one from down under! Let's take a closer look at what the C and F versions have to offer.
F-111C & F-111F: Strike Aircraft for Great Britain and the USA at Rank VII
Features:
- Modernized upgrades to the Aardvark!
- Guided air-to-ground ordnance.
- All-aspect IR missiles.
- Increased countermeasure capability (F-111C).
- More powerful engines (F-111F).
Vehicle History
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F-111C
In the 1960s, the Royal Australian Air Force sought to replace their Canberra bombers due to their capability limits and lack of all weather operation capability. Lacking a capable bomber that could match the Tu-16, the RAAF began searching for a new type that could satisfy its longer range requirements. Assessments were made of several current and up and coming aircraft, such the A-5, F-4 Phantom II, Mirage IV, TSR.2 and the then TFX program. Political and economical issues steered the RAAF away from the TSR.2, with the economic cost of the Mirage IV also being a deciding factor. The final winner was the TFX program which offered to meet all the needs and requirements set out.
When the F-111 finally emerged from the TFX program, it became clear that the RAAF would require its own modifications to be made to what was to be the B (Naval) variant for it to be accepted. A longer wing design was incorporated, a unique intake redesign, along with some additional changes to radio equipment and undercarriage improvements were all introduced to the aircraft. Now designated F-111C, the aircraft was officially delivered in 1968, but due to delays, training and initial teething issues, it was not officially introduced into full service until 1973. Initially a batch of 24 were produced for Australia, with a further 4 converted from American F-111s to F-111C standard. 4 aircraft in total were also converted to RF-111C reconnaissance aircraft.
The F-111C provided the RAAF with the capacity to reach Jakarta in Indonesia, something the Canberra and other types previously in service could never achieve. While never seeing direct combat with the RAAF, they came very close in 1991 when they were moved to standby ready for replacing the F-18s operating in the Gulf War should they need to be rotated out. However, the war would end before that was necessary. They would be put on standby for possible operations in East Timor with the UN INTERFET force that Australia led during the independence of Timor-Leste from Indonesia. The aircraft served more than 40 years at the hands of the Royal Australian Air Force, and finally retired in service in 2010.
F-111F
The F-111F was a modernized variant of the earlier Aardvarks, featuring more powerful TF30-P-100 engines and much higher thrust output over the F-111A. Operated by the USAF, the F-111F Pacer Strike was the final fighter variant of the aircraft produced. As well as the previously mentioned engine improvements, the aircraft was fitted with the AN/AVQ-26 Pave Tack FLIR target designator, allowing the use of guided munitions like the Paveway among other modernizations to its loadouts and systems.
This variant would serve heavily in the 1991 Gulf War, dropping more laser guided bombs than any other type of aircraft. The type would successfully fly a high percentage of combat missions, striking their targets and destroying them with a high level of precision, more so than most other allied coalition aircraft taking part. The F-111F is credited with destroying over 1000+ tanks and armored vehicles during the conflict. 1996 would mark the final retirement of the F variant in USAF service.
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Meet the F-111C and F!
The next major update will include two new installments of the famous F-111 series, the domestic F-111C variant of the Royal Australian Air Force for the British tree and the final “fighter” variant of the American variants, the F-111F. Both of these variants take what the F-111A already does well and improve upon it in almost every area. Let’s check out what you can expect from them when they arrive to War Thunder in the Dance of Dragons major update!
Firstly, let’s take a look at the unique Australian variant, the F-111C. This version features a longer modified wing aimed at improving longer distance flights and reinforced landing gear. Along with this, you’ll get a huge boost to your defensive countermeasures, with the total for this variant being 240 flares / chaff, which is a massive increase over the base F-111A and F that will be plenty to help you out in battle. If that alone wasn’t enough to keep your enemies busy, they’ll need to keep an eye out on what you are firing back at them too! The F-111C features AIM-9L all-aspect Sidewinder missiles, far more potent than the B variants found on the earlier variant already in game.
Did you know? The F-111C in Australian service was affectionately known as “The Pig” despite the crews and engineers loving the aircraft.
Next up, we have the F-111F for the USA. This takes the base F-111A and provides a pair of improved TF30-P-100 engines that have a higher thrust output, meaning a more powerful all round performer. But the improvements don’t stop there! While the F-111A was limited to the AGM-12B Bullpup, the F variant introduces AGM-65 capabilities to the aircraft in B, D and G models. This adds some fire and forget capacity to the aircraft that will aid you in combined battles for sure. On the offensive in the air, the F-111F can rely on AIM-9L for missile combat.
Both the C and the F variants come with the AN/AVQ-26 Pave Tack targeting pod, which opens up the option of using guided bombs for the first time on the F-111. You can find GBU-10, 12 and 24 on both aircraft and the IR guided GBU-15 also on the F-111F. Both variants also feature an array of Mk 82 and Mk 84 bombs for conventional bombing and taking out bases.
Interesting: One of our long-time War Thunder Moderators on the community team, KnightoftheAbyss, worked on RAAF F-111Cs for over 12 years. We would like to thank him for his notes towards the historical section of this blog and recognize his service with the RAAF.
These advanced Aardvarks will be taking to the skies very shortly and will once again take the crowns (for now at least!) as the “ultimate” bombers in War Thunder, with some even fancier toys this time around. We hope you’ll enjoy these new aircraft, be sure to let us know! You won’t have too much longer to wait until you can take to the skies with them. Until then, stay tuned to the news for more information on what else you can see in the Dance of Dragons major update.
Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.
