Classic Airshow Performers
General Dynamics F-111/FB-111/EF-111 Aardvark
A superb aeroplane but rarely displayed well during airshows. With the exception of a few displays by home-based F-111F's at RAF Lakenheath, the only decent F-111 displays seen in the UK were by RAAF examples at IAT organised events.
How regrettable this was as the aircraft was awesome, had character and deserved better than the lacklustre single flyby that was often given by the USAF, that questioned whether it was actually worth the trouble of putting it in the air in the first place!
IMPORTANT:
PLEASE NOTE: I retain copyright to all photographs on this site. Should you require to use any then please contact me first. Thank you.
FB-111A 80286 of the USAF SAC 380th Bomb Wing launches from RAF Fairford during the 1989 International Air Tattoo.
80286 continues its take-off roll.
80286 performs a single pass during IAT '89 that turned out to be the only ever FB-111A flying demonstration at an IAT.
80286 comes in for an immaculate landing after completing its flypast.
F-111F 02396 from the USAFE 493rd TFS 48th TFW 'Liberty Wing' scorches into the air at Boscombe Down in 1990.
If anyone could 'out do' the Americans it's the Aussies, typified here by an RAAF F-111C 'torching' at Boscombe Down in 1990.
An EF-111A Raven of the USAFE 42nd ECS landing at its home base, RAF Upper Heyford in 1991.
F-111E 80046 of the USAFE 77th TFS 20th TFW pictured on arrival at the 1992 Air Tournament International at Boscombe Down in June1992.
And for good comparison, here is F-111F 02370 of the USAFE 494th TFS 48th TFW 'Liberty Wing' pictured arriving at the same event.
End of an era as the 6000 hour 'highest flyer' F-111E 80046 from USAFE 55th TFS 20th TFW visits IAT '93 at RAF Fairford, just prior to final disbandment of the unit and the return of all the remaining airframes to the USA.
F-111C A8-127 of the RAAF starts its display during IAT '93 at RAF Fairford.
Credit to the Aussies, the RAAF being the only air arm to display this wonderful aircraft with any vigor. How often did you see a USAF example showing wing vortices as exhibited here!
See what I mean, if wing vortices don't impress then try a bit of 'torching'!
A8-127 completes its scintillating IAT '93 display.
IMPORTANT:
PLEASE NOTE: I retain copyright to all photographs on this site. Should you require to use any then please contact me first. Thank you.