The General Dynamics F-111 was one of aviation history's most promising planes when it came out in the early 1960s. Despite a rocky service career, political changes in how the military acquired its weaponry, and the addition of too much new technology, the plane provided a credible frontline deterrent in the Cold War era and was used to great effect in the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm. Many of the challenges faced by putting the F-111-with all of its new systems-into service are now accepted as a normal outfit in modern fighter aircraft. Although the Navy did not accept the F-111B model, the Grumman F-14 Tomcat development program was significantly assisted by prior radar and missile system testing on the F-111B airframe. The F-111 was a hugely powerful aircraft and carried devastating weaponry, but was phased out by the USAF in the mid-90s, largely due to crippling maintenance costs. The aircraft remained in Australian service until 2010.

About the Author
John Gourley is a crash/rescue fire protection specialist, who has served in this capacity both in the United States Air Force and later as a civilian contractor. His lifelong hobby has been photographing military hardware.


Book Information
ISBN 9780764361289
Author John Gourley
Format Hardback
Page Count 128
Imprint Schiffer Publishing Ltd
Publisher Schiffer Publishing Ltd
Weight(grams) 508g