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* [http://www.airforce.gov.au/aircraft/f111.htm Royal Australian Air Force F-111 page]
* [http://www.airforce.gov.au/aircraft/f111.htm Royal Australian Air Force F-111 page]
* [http://naa12.naa.gov.au/scripts/imagine.asp?B=1533518&I=1&SE=1 Report of the RAAF Evaluation Team for a replacement Strike/Reconnaissance Aircraft for Air Staff Requirement (ASR) 36 on the National Archives of Australia site]
* [http://naa12.naa.gov.au/scripts/imagine.asp?B=1533518&I=1&SE=1 Report of the RAAF Evaluation Team for a replacement Strike/Reconnaissance Aircraft for Air Staff Requirement (ASR) 36 on the National Archives of Australia site]
* [http://zapom.com/f+111c F-111C Video Search]
* [http://www.ausairpower.net/pig.html F-111 on ausairpower.net]
* [http://www.ausairpower.net/pig.html F-111 on ausairpower.net]
* [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/f-111.htm F-111 page on GlobalSecurity.org]
* [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/f-111.htm F-111 page on GlobalSecurity.org]

Revision as of 18:13, 2 January 2011

F-111C
An F-111C in 2006 of the Royal Australian Air Force with its wings unswept
Role Fighter-bomber
National origin United States
Manufacturer General Dynamics
First flight 1968
Introduction 1973
Retired RAAF: December 2010
Status Retired
Primary user Royal Australian Air Force
Number built 28
Developed from General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark

The General Dynamics F-111C (nicknamed "Pig") is a variant of the F-111 Aardvark medium-range interdictor and tactical strike aircraft developed to meet Australian requirements. The aircraft were based on the F-111A variant but included the longer wings and strengthened undercarriage developed for the FB-111A. 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. During 1979 and 1980 four of these aircraft were converted to the RF-111C reconnaissance variant. Four ex-United States Air Force (USAF) F-111As were purchased by Australia and converted to F-111C standard in 1982 to replace F-111Cs destroyed during flying accidents. Australia also operated 15 F-111Gs between 1993 and 2007, mainly for conversion training. The RAAF retired its remaining F-111Cs in December 2010.

Although they were never used in combat, the F-111Cs gave the RAAF a powerful strike capability. The aircraft went through modernisation programs in the 1980s and 1990s and the RAAF acquired improved weapons to maintain their ability to penetrate hostile airspace. But by the 2000s the F-111Cs were becoming outdated and expensive to maintain, leading to a decision to retire them in 2010 rather than 2020 as originally planned. The F-111s are being replaced by 24 Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornets on an interim basis, although it is currently planned that these aircraft will in turn be replaced by F-35 Lightning IIs.

Development

Two RAAF F-111 aircraft during exercise Kangaroo '81
A left side view of three RAAF F-111 Fighter aircraft parked on the flight line during the joint Australia/New Zealand/US Exercise Pitch Black '84

Background

The U.S. Air Force and Navy had seemingly different requirements. However, on 14 February 1961 the new U.S. Secretary of Defense, Robert McNamara, formally directed that the services study the development of a single aircraft that would satisfy both requirements.[1] The Tactical Fighter Experimental (TFX) requirements were based largely on the Air Force's requirements.[1][2] A request for proposals (RFP) for the TFX was provided to industry in October 1961. After four rounds of proposals, General Dynamics was selected over Boeing. General Dynamics signed the TFX contract in December 1962.[3]

The U.S. Air Force F-111A and Navy F-111B variants used the same airframe structural components and TF30-P-1 turbofan engines. They featured side by side crew seating in escape capsule as required by the Navy. The F-111A variant first flew on 21 December 1964 from Carswell AFB, Texas.[4][5] The first F-111B variant was also equipped with ejector seats and first flew on 18 May 1965.[6]

F-111 development continued; to address stall issues in certain parts of the flight regime, the engine inlet design was modified in 1965–66, ending with the "Triple Plow I" and "Triple Plow II" designs.[7] The F-111B was canceled by the Navy in 1968 due to weight and performance issues.[8] Subsequently, the improved F-111E, F-111D, F-111F models were developed for the US Air Force. The strategic bomber FB-111A and the EF-111 electronic warfare versions were later developed for the USAF.[9] Production ended in 1976[10] with a total of 563 F-111 variants built.[11]

F-111C

Australia decided to order 24 F-111Cs in 1963,[12] and signed a contract in 1964.[13] The first F-111C was received in 1968.[12] However development delays and structural problems delayed acceptance of aircraft by the Royal Australian Air Force until 1973.[12] These issues were mainly with the wing attach points, and the redesign of the F-111 engine intakes. Completion of contractual requirements to the satisfaction of Australia also took some time.[14]

Four aircraft were modified to "RF-111C" reconnaissance configuration in 1979–80, retaining their strike capability. The RF-111C carries a reconnaissance pack with four cameras and an infrared linescanner unit.[15] Four ex-USAF F-111As were refitted to F-111C standard and delivered to Australia as attrition replacements in 1982.[16]

F-111C aircraft were equipped to carry Pave Tack FLIR/laser pods in the mid-1980s. They underwent an extensive Avionics Upgrade Program through 1998.[16] Under this program, the F-111C was upgraded to digital avionics. This included twin mission computers, modern digital databus, digital weapon management system, new AN/APQ-171 terrain-following radar, new AN/APQ-169 attack radar, twin ring-laser gyro INS, and GPS receiver. From 1994 F-111Cs and RF-111Cs were upgraded with TF30-P-109 engines, each rated at 20,840 lbf (93 kN) thrust.[17]

In late 2001, wing fatigue problems were discovered in one of the F-111C fleet. As a result a decision was made in May 2002 to replace the wings with spares taken from ex-USAF F-111Fs stored at the Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Center (AMARC). The short span wings underwent a refurbishment in Australia which included extending the span in effect making the wings the same as the F-111C and F-111G models.[18] Since the Avionics Upgrade Program, Australian F-111s have received weapons system and various other upgrades.[19]

Design

Three F-111Cs with their wings in different positions

The F-111 is an all-weather attack aircraft capable of low-level penetration of enemy defenses to deliver ordnance on the target.[20] It features variable geometry wings, an internal weapons bay and a cockpit with side by side seating. The cockpit is part of a escape crew capsule.[21] The F-111 has a three-point landing gear arrangement with a two-wheel nose gear and two single-wheel main landing gear.[22][23] Most F-111 variants included a terrain-following radar system connected to the autopilot. The aircraft is powered by two Pratt & Whitney TF30 afterburning turbofan engines.[24]

The F-111's internal weapons bay that can carry bombs, a removable 20 mm M61 cannon, or auxiliary fuel tanks.[25][26] The F-111C is equipped to carry the AN/AVQ-26 Pave Tack targeting system on a rotating carriage that kept the pod protected within the weapons bay when not in use. Pave Tack is a FLIR and laser rangefinder/designator that allows the F-111 to designate targets and drop laser-guided bombs on them. Australian RF-111Cs carry a pallet of sensors and cameras for reconnaissance use.[27] Australian F-111Cs have been equipped to launch the AGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missile, and the AGM-142 Popeye stand-off missile.[28]

Operational history

Entry into service

A RAAF F-111 at Ohakea, New Zealand in 1975

The Australian government ordered 24 F-111C aircraft to replace the Royal Australian Air Force's English Electric Canberras in the bombing and tactical strike role.[29] While the first aircraft was officially handed over in 1968, structural issues delayed the entry into service of the F-111C. USAF F-4 Phantom IIs were leased as an interim measure.[12]

The F-111C entered Australian service after the technical problems were resolved, and the first F-111C was accepted at Nellis Air Force Base on 15 March 1973.[30] On 31 March the RAAF Washington Flying Unit was formed at McClellan Air Force Base in California with the mission of ferrying the first 12 F-111Cs to Australia.[31] This unit was commanded by Group Captain John Newham, who later served as the Chief of the Air Staff between 1985 and 1988. The RAAF's first six F-111Cs arrived at Amberley Air Base on 1 July 1973 and three subsequent groups of six F-111s arrived on 27 July, 28 September and 4 December.[30]

F-111Cs were alloated to No. 1 Squadron and No. 6 Squadron and were based at Amberley as part of No. 82 Wing. No. 1 Squadron was the RAAF's strike squadron, and maintained a nominal strength of 12 F-111s. No. 6 Squadron mainly served as the F-111 operational conversion unit, though it also operated the RF-111 aircraft and could serve in the strike role if required.[32][33]

All F-111 maintenance was undertaken at Amberley. From 1973 to 2001 No. 482 Squadron conducted intermediate maintenance of the aircraft and heavy maintenance was the responsibility of No. 3 Aircraft Depot. No. 482 Squadron also operated the RAAF's F-111 flight simulator.[33] From 2001 onwards Boeing Australia performed all F-111 maintenance under a contract to the Australian Government.[34]

Operational service

Four Australian F-111s in 2006

After entering service the F-111s proved highly successful. Australian aviation historian Alan Stephens has written that they were "the pre-eminent weapons system in the Asia-Pacific region" throughout their service and provided Australia with "a genuine, independent strike capability".[35] The F-111 did not see combat in Australian service, however. During the first Gulf War in 1991, the United States government asked Australia to deploy RF-111 aircraft to the Persian Gulf. This request was denied as the Australian government judged that these aircraft were too important to Australia's security to risk in a distant war.[citation needed]

The Australian-led INTERFET intervention into East Timor in September 1999 marked the closest Australia's F-111s came to combat. F-111s from both No. 1 and No. 6 Squadrons were deployed to RAAF Base Tindal on 28 August to support the international forces, and remained there until 17 December 1999. This was a maximum effort for No. 82 Wing, and up to ten F-111Cs were available at Tindal; No. 1 Squadron's commitment peaked at six aircraft and about 100 personnel. No. 75 Squadron also maintained twelve F/A-18s at its home base of Tindal to support INTERFET if needed. From 20 September, when INTERFET began to arrive in East Timor, the F-111s were maintained at a high level of readiness to conduct reconnaissance flights or air strikes if the situation deteriorated. For the latter role two F-111s armed with concrete-filled bombs fitted with precision guidance kits were kept available at all times. INTERFET did not encounter significant resistance, however, and F-111 operations were limited to reconnaissance missions conducted by RF-111Cs from 5 November. Each of these sorties were made after gaining approval from the Indonesian Government and normally focused on bridges and communications installations. The last RF-111C flight over East Timor took place on 9 December.[36]

In mid 2006, an RAAF F-111 was chosen to scuttle the North Korean ship Pong Su which had been involved in one of Australia's largest drug hauls in recorded history. The ship had been sitting in "Snails Bay", off Birchgrove, while the government decided its fate, and it was decided in March 2006 it would be scuttled by air attack. The Pong Su was sunk on 23 March 2006 by two GBU-10 Paveway II laser guided bombs.[37]

The Royal Australian Air Force's F-111 fleet has at times been controversial. Controversies surrounding the F-111 include:

  • The long delay to the delivery of the aircraft was a significant political issue in the late 1960s and early 1970s. This occurred around the same time that massive delays and cost blowouts to the Sydney Opera House were making headlines, prompting some commentators to dub the F-111 the "Flying Opera House".[38]
  • Their use by the Hawke federal government to take surveillance photos of the Franklin Dam project in Tasmania. The use of an RAAF aircraft to "spy" on its own territory led to the minister responsible, Senator Gareth Evans earning the nickname "Biggles" (after the famous pilot-hero of a number of books by Captain W.E. Johns).[39][N 1]
  • Poor work conditions for F-111 ground crew involved in sealing/de-sealing F-111 fuel tanks resulted in a class action lawsuit and the Australian government paying out more than A$20 million in damages. The health issues with chemical exposure included permanent brain damage to a number of ground crew before conditions were improved.[41]
The F-111G 'The Boneyard Wrangler' during its RAAF service in 2005. This aircraft is now in the collection of the RAAF Museum.[42]

A number of ex-USAF aircraft have been delivered to Australia, as attrition replacements and to enlarge the fleet. Four aircraft modified to the F-111C standard were delivered in 1982. It bought 15 F-111Gs to supplement its F-111Cs[43] in 1992 and delivered in 1994. Additional stored former USAF F-111s are reserved as a spare parts sources.

In Australian military and aviation circles, the F-111 Aardvark was affectionately known as the "Pig", due to its terrain following ability.[44] It can also be posited from the word aardvark, which translates into English as "Earth Pig".[45][original research?]

Seven of the 28 F-111Cs and one of the 15 F-111Gs were destroyed in accidents during their service with the RAAF. These accidents cost of lives of 10 aircrew. The first F-111C to be lost was A8-136 which crashed near Guyra, New South Wales on 28 April 1977 due to a mechanical fault; both the crewmen ejected safely. The second loss occurred on 29 September 1977 when A8-133 struck three birds near the Evans Head Air Weapons Range. In this accident the crew attempted to eject, but the aircraft was operating outside the parameters of the escape module and both were killed. On 25 October 1978 A8-141 crashed into the Hauraki Gulf off New Zealand after fuel leaked into the wheel bay and caught fire; both crewmen survived. On 24 August 1979, A8-137's engines lost power during takeoff from RNZAF Base Ohakea due to water ingestion, again the two crewmen ejected safely. The next loss occurred on 28 January 1986 when A8-139 crashed into the sea off Moruya, New South Wales, resulting in the deaths of both crew. On 2 April 1987, both crewmen of A8-128 were killed when the aircraft crashed near Tenterfield, New South Wales during a simulated bombing attack on the town. The seventh loss of an F-111C occurred on 13 September 1993 when A8-127 crashed near Guyra during a low flying exercise, resulting in the death of both crew members. The eighth RAAF F-111 to be lost was F-111G A8-143, which crashed on the Malaysian island of Aur on 18 April 1999; both of the aircraft's crew were killed.[46]

Retirement

An F-111C (at left) with one of the RAAF's first F/A-18Fs

In 2007, Australia decided to retire all of its RAAF F-111s by 2010, and the government signed a contract to acquire 24 F/A-18F Super Hornets as an "interim" replacement,[47] pending the acquisition of the under development F-35 Lightning II. In March 2008, after a review, the new Labor government confirmed its purchase of the Super Hornets.[48] The drawdown of the RAAF's F-111 fleet has begun with the retirement of the F-111G models operated by the No. 6 Squadron RAAF in late 2007. The No. 1 and No. 6 Squadrons are to be reequipped with the F/A-18Fs, beginning in 2010. One of the reasons given for the retirement is the average of 180 hours of maintenance required for every flight hour.[49] The final RAAF aircrew conversion took place in 2009, with four pilots and two Air Combat Officers (ACOs) qualifying as F-111 aircrew. The RAAF retired its last F-111s on 3 December 2010, after the final flight by aircraft from No. 6 Squadron over southern Queensland.[50]

Four of the F-111Cs will be placed on display, one each in Adelaide and Melbourne, and two at Amberley in Queensland. The remaining F-111Cs will be scrapped.[51]

Variants

F-111C

The F-111C is the export version for Australia, combining the F-111A with longer F-111B wings and strengthened FB-111A landing gear. Australia decided to order 24 in 1963, and after delays the Royal Australian Air Force accepted the aircraft in 1973.[12]

RF-111C

Belly view of a RF-111C in 2008. Note the four camera apertures on the reconnaissance pallet.

Four F-111C aircraft were modified to the "RF-111C" reconnaissance configuration. These aircraft met the RAAF's requirement for aircraft to reinstate its photographic reconnaissance capacity. While the original order for F-111s specified that 18 would be strike variants and six reconnaissance variants, the RAAF later agreed to accept all 24 as strike aircraft and later retrofit six with reconnaissance pallets. In 1971 the USAF dropped plans to fit some of its F-111s as reconnaissance aircraft, but sold the design of the reconnaissance pallet to Australia for $3 million. At this time the RAAF decided to fit the pallet to four rather than six aircraft.[52] The reconnaissance pallet contains four cameras and an infrared linescanner unit and is fitted in the F-111's weapons bay. The RF-111Cs retained their strike capability.[15][53]

The first F-111C selected for conversion to the RF-111C variant was modified at General Dynamics plant at Fort Worth, Texas between October 1978 and 18 April 1979. After four months of test flights, the aircraft returned to Australia in August 1979 where it conducted further tropical weather trials at Darwin. The other three aircraft were modified by the RAAF's No. 3 Aircraft Depot at RAAF Base Amberley in 1980 using kits purchased from General Dynamics.[52] The RF-111C variant proved to be highly successful, and were considered to be among the best tactical reconnaissance aircraft in the world.[54] Three of the four RF-111Cs remained in RAAF service until 2010. The other aircraft was retired in 2006 after suffering damage from landing on its belly after one of its main wheels separated during take off; although the aircraft was repairable it was judged not worthwhile doing so due to the impending retirement of the entire F-111 fleet.[55] The RAAF will not have an aircraft with the RF-111C's intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities once they are retired.[56]

Operators

An Australian F-111 flies over the Sydney Harbour Bridge to mark the conclusion of the 2000 Summer Olympics
 Australia

Aircraft on display

The escape capsule from an F-111C which crashed off New Zealand on display at the Australian War Memorial's 2007 open day

Specifications (F-111C)

An orthographically projected diagram of the F-111
An orthographically projected diagram of the F-111

Data from Wilson and Pittaway[58]

General characteristics

Performance

Armament

  • Guns: 1× M61 Vulcan 20 mm (0.787 in) gatling cannon (seldom fitted)
  • Hardpoints: 9 in total (8× under-wing, 1× underfuselage between engines)
  • Armament capacity: 31,500 lb (14,300 kg) ordnance mounted externally on hardpoints and internally in fuselage weapons bay

Notable appearances in media

The Australian band Cold Chisel recorded a song called "F-111".[59] British pop-cyberpunk band Sigue Sigue Sputnik had a world hit in 1986 with the song "Love Missile F1-11".

See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

References

Notes
  1. ^ Quote: "In preparing the Commonwealth's case for the inevitable High Court challenge by Tasmania, Evans earned the popular title of "Biggles" for arranging to have Royal Australian Air Force planes fly 'spy flights' over the dam site to collect court evidence."[40]
Citations
  1. ^ a b Gunston 1978, pp. 8–17.
  2. ^ Miller 1982, pp. 11–15.
  3. ^ Gunston 1978, pp. 18–20.
  4. ^ Eden 2004, p. 197.
  5. ^ Baugher, Joe. "General Dynamics F-111A." USAAC/USAAF/USAF Fighters, 23 December 1999. Retrieved: 5 October 2009.
  6. ^ Baugher, Joe. "General Dynamics/Grumman F-111B." USAAC/USAAF/USAF Fighters, 7 November 2004. Retrieved: 5 October 2009.
  7. ^ Gunston 1978, pp. 25–27.
  8. ^ Donald, David, ed. "General Dynamics F-111". The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft. New York: Barnes & Noble Books, 1997. ISBN 0-7607-0592-5.
  9. ^ Frawley, Gerald. "General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark". The International Directory of Military Aircraft, 2002/2003. London: Aerospace Publications, 2002. ISBN 1-875671-55-2.
  10. ^ Miller 1982, p. 65.
  11. ^ Logan 1998, p. 9.
  12. ^ a b c d e Logan 1998, p. 261.
  13. ^ Miller 1982, p. 30.
  14. ^ Miller 1982, p. 31.
  15. ^ a b Logan 1998, pp. 261–262.
  16. ^ a b Logan 1998, p. 263.
  17. ^ Baugher, Joe. "General Dynamics F-111C." USAAC/USAAF/USAF Fighters, 8 May 2000. Retrieved: 5 October 2009.
  18. ^ Pittaway, Nigel. "21st century Pigs: F-111 in RAAF Service". International Air Power Review, Vol. 6, 2002, pp. 18–31.
  19. ^ "F/RF-111C Modifications and Support." Boeing Australia. Retrieved: 3 July 2009.
  20. ^ General Dynamics F-111D to F Aardvark, US Air Force National Museum.
  21. ^ Eden 2004, pp. 196–201.
  22. ^ Miller 1982, pp. 80–81.
  23. ^ Logan 1998, p. 19.
  24. ^ Logan 1998, p. 14.
  25. ^ Logan 1998, pp. 20, 21, 28.
  26. ^ Gunston 1983, pp. 30–31.
  27. ^ Miller 1982, p. 31.
  28. ^ Logan 1998, p. 28.
  29. ^ Gunston 1978, p. 62.
  30. ^ a b Wilson and Pittaway 2010, p. 47.
  31. ^ RAAF Historical Section 1995, p. 150.
  32. ^ Crick, Darren. "ADF Aircraft Serial Numbers: RAAF A8 General Dynamics F111C/G & RF111C." Australian Military Aircraft Serials and Aircraft History. Retrieved: 30 December 2009.
  33. ^ a b Wilson and Pittaway 2010, p. 48.
  34. ^ "F-111 Through-Life Support." Boeing Australia. Retrieved: 11 July 2010.
  35. ^ Stephens 2006, p. 290.
  36. ^ Wilson 2003, pp. 32–34.
  37. ^ "Drug Freighter meets spectacular end." The Sydney Morning Herald, 23 March 2006.
  38. ^ Lake, John. "Aussie Aardvark—the General Dynamics F-111." Air International, April 2000.
  39. ^ Angle, Maura. "We look back at one of Tasmania's most defining periods in history, the Franklin dam dispute." Stateline Tasmania, ABC, 27 June 2003.
  40. ^ Galligan, Brian. "No Bill of Rights for Australia." Department of the Senate, Parliament House, 1989, p. 27.
  41. ^ "F-111 Action Stalls Without Getting Off The Ground." Safety Culture, 11 April 2007. Retrieved: 31 December 2010.
  42. ^ "F111 Amberley to Point Cook road trip." Department of Defence, 4 May 2009. Retrieved: 11 July 2010.
  43. ^ Logan 1998, pp. 206, 218.
  44. ^ "When pigs fly!" Air Combat Command, 12 March 2009. Retrieved: 30 December 2010.
  45. ^ Obsolete Afrikaans, actually. The modern Afrikaans name is erdvark. aardvark (2010). In Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary from Merriam-webster.com. Retrieved 2 February 2010.
  46. ^ Wilson and Pittaway 2010, pp. 54–55.
  47. ^ "Super Hornet Acquisition Contract Signed." defence.gov.au. Retrieved: 3 December 2010.
  48. ^ "ALP to stick with Super Hornet buy." National via theage.com.au. Retrieved: 21 July 2010.
  49. ^ McPhedran, Ian. "F-111 – the RAAF's white elephant in the sky." Daily Telegraph, August 2009. Retrieved: 3 August 2009.
  50. ^ Binskin, Air Marshal Mark. "Pigs' Tales: Official F-111 Retirement Events". Boeing. Retrieved: 3 December 2010.
  51. ^ Field, Donna. "F-111s to fire up for final farewell with flyover." ABC Brisbane, 3 December 2010.
  52. ^ a b Air Power Development Centre 2010, p. 1.
  53. ^ Wilson and Pittaway 2010, p. 33.
  54. ^ Wilson and Pittaway 2010, p. 52.
  55. ^ Wilson and Pittaway 2010, pp. 52, 94–97.
  56. ^ Air Power Development Centre 2010, p. 1.
  57. ^ "Aircraft Research and Development Unit (ARDU)." RAAF Museum. Retrieved: 29 July 2010.
  58. ^ Wilson and Pittaway 2010, p. 8.
  59. ^ Song lyrics
Bibliography
  • "Manned ISR: The RF-111C." Air Power Development Centre, Australian Department of Defence, 2010. Retrieved: 20 March 2010}}
  • Audit Report No.27 2006–07: Management of Air Combat Fleet In-Service Support. Canberra: National Audit Office (ANAO), 2007. ISBN 0-64280-946-1.
  • Audit Report No.40 1999–2000: Tactical Fighter Operations." Canberra: Australian National Audit Office (ANAO), 2000. ISBN 0-64244-266-5.
  • Eden, Paul, ed. "General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark/EF-111 Raven". Encyclopedia of Modern Military Aircraft. London: Amber Books, 2004. ISBN 1-90468-784-9.
  • Gunston, Bill. F-111. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1978. ISBN 0-684-15753-5.
  • Gunston, Bill. F-111, Modern Fighting Aircraft, Vol. 3. New York: Salamander Books, 1983. ISBN 0-668-05904-4.
  • Logan, Don. General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark. Atglen, PA: Schiffer Military History, 1998. ISBN 0-7643-0587-5.
  • Miller, Jay. General Dynamics F-111 "Arardvark". Fallbrook, California: Aero Publishers, 1982. ISBN 0-8168-0606-3.
  • Neubeck, Ken. F-111 Aardvark Walk Around. Carrollton, Texas: Squadron/Signal Publications, 2009. ISBN 978-0-89747-581-5.
  • Stephens, Alan. The Royal Australian Air Force: A History. Melbourne: Oxford University Press, 2006. ISBN 0-19555-541-4.
  • Thomason, Tommy. Grumman Navy F-111B Swing Wing (Navy Fighters No. 41). Simi Valley, CA: Steve Ginter, 1998. ISBN 0-942612-41-8.
  • Thornborough, Anthony M. F-111 Aardvark. London: Arms and Armour, 1989. ISBN 0-85368-935-0.
  • Units of the Royal Australian Air Force: A Concise History, Volume 3: Bomber Units. Canberra: RAAF Historical Section, Australian Government Publishing Service, 1995. ISBN 0-64442-795-7.
  • Wilson, David. Warden to Tanager: RAAF Operations in East Timor. Maryborough, Queensland, Australia: Banner Books, 2003. ISBN 1-87559-326-8.
  • Wilson, Stewart and Nigel Pittaway. F-111 in RAAF Service 1973–2010. The Story of One of the Finest Strike Aircraft in Aviation History. Sydney: Aero Australia Special Edition (Chevron Publishing Group), 2010.
  • Winchester, Jim, ed. "General Dynamics FB-111A". "Grumman/General Dynamics EF-111A Raven". Military Aircraft of the Cold War (The Aviation Factfile). London: Grange Books plc, 2006. ISBN 1-84013-929-3.
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