F-111B
F-111B
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Our F-111B Pictured On Right At Hughes Aviation
The F-111B program, though canceled by the Navy, was crucial in leading to the development of the F-14 Tomcat. It provided Grumman and Hughes Aviation with essential insights into sweep wing design, advanced radar systems such as the AN/AWG-9, and the use of AIM-54 Phoenix missile. These lessons were instrumental in the F-14's success, ensuring its effectiveness in naval aviation. Without the F-111B, the F-14 would not have reached the skies.
Our F-111B, BuNo 152714, was the first of two preproduction variants that boasted numerous enhancements over the initial five prototype F-111Bs, such as a lighter airframe, ejection capsule, revised nose for better visibility, refined Triple Plow II intakes, and was powered by upgraded TF30-P-12 engines that provided 8% more thrust in afterburner than the P-1 model. In total, seven F-111Bs were made, with ours being one of only two F-111Bs remaining in existence.
(Please note that Transport Tags LLC is NOT an authorized or licensed distributor of Grumman, General Dynamics, or Lockheed Martin and uses their name, markings, etc., for identification purposes ONLY in accordance with the Lanham Act).
Loading our F-111B for the Trip to St. Louis
Subsequently, BuNo: 152714 was leased by Hughes Aviation from the Navy and served as a missile test platform for the AIM-54 Phoenix Missile and AN/AWG-9 radar prior to its retirement. Sadly, our airframe only accumulated 53 hours of flight time before it was flown from Hughes Aviation to the boneyard at Davis Monthan AFB on July 8th 1969. After being stored at Davis Monthan our F-111B was later transferred to McClellan AFB, CA, where it was dissected for parts to keep RAAF F-111 models flying.
Our F-111B did not end its journey there at McClellan being stripped for parts, as It found its way off the base and into private ownership, where we acquired it in 2024 from the most recent owner.
Our F-111B in Storage at AMARC
Vehicle History
Vehicle History
The F-111B, stands as a very unique aircraft with only seven ever produced, known endearingly as the Navy Aardvark and disparagingly as the Sea Pig. This remarkable rare prototype aircraft was the result of a collaboration between General Dynamics and Grumman, designed to serve as a fleet defense interceptor. Its purpose was to deploy from an aircraft carrier and launch Aim-54 Phoenix missiles against incoming enemy bombers and cruise missiles.
The F-111 was a trailblazer in its own right, being the first aircraft to employ the use of a sweep wing design and ejection capsule instead of standard ejection seats. General Dynamics spearheaded the manufacturing of the Air Force F-111 models while Grumman stepped in to augment the naval aspect of the F-111B Aardvark.
Robert McNamara harbored ambitions to integrate the F-111B into the Navy to economize and reduce government expenditure, and thus spurred on the joint Tactical Fighter Experimental (TFX) project with the United States Air Force. This was done so that the Navy and the Air Force could share a similar aircraft and cut the cost of the F-111 program. Despite McNamara’s efforts, after several years of testing, the Navy decided to abandon the Aardvark project citing the aircraft was too heavy for carrier operations and later opted for development of the F-14 Tomcat.
In a few years time after the F-111B experiments, the renowned F-14 Tomcat was developed in lieu of the F-111B. Lessons learned from the swing wing design, avionics, radar, and missile testing of the F-111B were instrumental in shaping the development of the F-14 Tomcat, reflecting Grumman's adaptability and innovation.
Following the cancellation of the Navy's F-111B, the U.S. and Australian Air Forces established a remarkable legacy with their fleet of F-111s. The USAF F111s played a crucial role in numerous conflicts, notably in Vietnam, Libya, and even outperforming the renowned A-10 Warthog in Iraq by achieving a higher number of tank kills. The U.S. Air Force bid farewell to its final EF-111s in 1998, while Australia retired their fleet in 2010, symbolizing the end of an era.
Product Specifics
Product Specifics
Vehicle Stats
Vehicle Stats
Length: 68’ 10” (2 feet longer than earlier F-111Bs)
Wingspan: Spread: 70’ all the way out Swept in: 33’ 11”
Engines: 2X Pratt & Whitney TF30-P-12
Service Ceiling: 65,000 ft (19,800 m)
Radar Unit: AN/AWG-9
Armament: 1X M61 Vulcan 20mm rotary canon, 4X underwing hard points and an internal weapons bay/Bombay for Aim-54 Phoenix Missiles, Sidewinder Missiles, Fuel Drop tanks, Bombs, and various other ordnance.
Product Dimensions
Product Dimensions
Disclaimer
Disclaimer
TransportTags are unique, handcrafted pieces made from genuine vehicle skin. Features like scratches, blemishes, or minor discolorations testify to their unique vintage appeal and authenticity. By purchasing, you accept the product may differ slightly from website images. Transport Tags LLC uses authentic material from transportation vehicles, potential containing hazardous substances. Not intended for ingestion, inhalation, or use by small children. Transport Tags LLC is an independent company, not affiliated with, sponsored or endorsed by any entities. We use branded names and insignia for identification under the provisions of the Lanham Act, without implying any association or endorsement. For more information, read our detailed product safety and legal information here.
