Facts summary and sources
General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark: speed field: Mach 2.5 (database value; evidence basis not recorded). First flight: 1964.
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✈️ Full Specifications
| Country | ✈️ United States |
| First flight | 1964 |
| Length | 22.4 m (73.5 ft) |
| Max Speed (Mach) | 2.5 |
| Speed evidence basis | Published specification |
| Max Speed | 2,655 km/h |
General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark
The F-111 was a revolutionary aircraft — the world first operational variable-sweep wing (swing-wing) combat aircraft. Its wings could sweep from 16° for slow flight to 72.5° for supersonic dash.
🔧 Innovation Pioneer
The F-111 introduced many firsts: terrain-following radar for low-level penetration, afterburning turbofan engines, and escape capsule instead of ejection seats. Despite a troubled development, it became an outstanding strike aircraft, proving devastatingly effective in Vietnam, Libya (Operation El Dorado Canyon), and the Gulf War.
📋 Specifications
- Max Speed: Mach 2.5 (2,655 km/h)
- Range: 5,190 km
- Engines: 2x Pratt and Whitney TF30 turbofans
- First Flight: 1964
- Built: 563
- Country: United States
🎬 Video
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast is the F-111?
The F-111 reached Mach 2.5 (1,650 mph). Variable-sweep wings allowed everything from Mach 0.7 terrain-following to Mach 2.5 at altitude.
Why was the F-111 called the “Aardvark”?
Its long nose resembled the animal. The nickname wasn’t officially adopted until the 1996 retirement ceremony.
How many F-111s were built?
563 F-111s in various variants.
Is the F-111 still in service?
No. The USAF retired it in 1998 and the RAAF in 2010.