The General Dynamics F-111 “Aardvark” entered service in 1967 as a medium-range aircraft
designed for interdiction and tactical strikes. The F-111 was used as an all-weather attack
aircraft capable of low-level penetration of enemy territory. It also could be used for
reconnaissance and electronic warfare. Some unique features are variable geometry wings,
the 2 crew members sat side by side in an escape capsule, internal weapons bay; terrain
following radar and afterburning turbofans. The USAF retired their last F-111 in 1998 but the
RAAF continued to use theirs.

The first EF-111A flight took place on May 17, 1977. The 42nd ECS (Electronic Combat
Squadron) of the 20th TFW located at Upper Heyford, UK received their first EF-111As in
February 1984. The official name for the EF-111 aircraft was “Raven” but quite often was
referred to as “Spark Vark” by the crews. The last U.S. EF-111s were retired on 2 May 1998.
“Let em eat Crow” painted on aircraft 67-0034 is a reference to the EWO (Electronic Warfare
Officer) who were known as “Crows”.

Specifications for the General Dynamics/Grumman EF-111A

Aircraft variant name – Raven

First delivery to combat units - 1981
Number of F-111As converted to EF-111As by Grumman – 42
Role - electronic warfare aircraft
Crew - 2 x Pilot, Electronic Warfare Officer (EWO)
Dimensions
Length – 76 ft   (23.17 m)
Height – 20 ft   (61. m)
Wingspan – 63 ft   (19.2 m) extended / 32 ft   (9.74 m) swept
Wing area – 657.4 ft²   (61.07 m) extended / 525 ft²   (48.77 m²) swept
Weights
Empty – 55,275 lb   (25,072 kg)
Loaded – 70,000 lb   (31,751 kg)
Max takeoff - 89.000 lb   (40,370 kg)
Performance
Powerplant - 2 x Pratt & Whitney P&W TF30-P-3 turbofan, 10,750 lb.s.t dry and 18,500 lb.s.t
with afterburning. (lb.s.t. - Pounds Static Thrust)
Max speed – 1,460 mph   (Mach 2.2 / 2,350 km/h) above 30,000 ft
Max normal range – 2,000 mi   (1,740 nmi, 3,220 km)
Ferry range – 3,800 mi   (3,300 nmi, 6,110 km)
Service ceiling – 45,000 ft   (13,715 m)
ROC – 11,000 ft/min   (3,353m/min)

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