F-111
The F-111 is a multifunctional tactical fighter and bomber, that can fly from tree-top level to altitudes above 60000 feet. It has variable-sweep wings that change from 16 (full forward) to 72.5 degrees (full aft), so the pilot can fly from slow to supersonic speed on sea-level, on higher altitudes, its speed can be more than twice the speed of sound. At full forward, landing and takeoff is easier, shorter runway is needed and there's no need of drag chute or reserve thrust.
The two pilots sit side-by-side in an air-conditioned cockpit, that can perform as surviving vehicle both on land or water. In emergency, both pilots stay in the cockpit that separates from the aircraft and lands with a parachute. Airbags help the keeping the cockpit, so-called module, afloat on the water. The module can be ejected in any altitude even under water. In this case, airbags raise the module. The fuel tanks are behind the module. Without refuelling, the aircraft can fly more than 2500 nautical miles (4000 kms). External fuel tanks can be carried on the pylons under the wings and can be jettisoned if necessary.
The F-111 can carry conventional as well as nuclear ordnance. The internal weapons bay can contain up to two bombs or additional fuel. External weapons are bombs, missiles or fuel tanks. As the wings move, the loads pivot to be parallel with the fuselage. Outer pylons don't move, but can be released to reach higher speed.
The F-111 is equipped with communication, navigation, terrain following, target acquisition and suppression of enemy air defense systems. Precise radar bombing is used to make the attack effective in adverse weather or at night. The terrain following system enables a constant altitude. Thus it can fly everywhere and at any time, in valleys or over mountains, day or night. If a system's circuit fails, the aircraft automatically initiates a climb.
Its first flight was in December, 1964. It was first used in military operations in Southeast Asia. The F-111B was ordered by the US Navy but its production was cancelled. The C model is used by the Australian Air Force. The D model has a better navigation, air-to-air weapon delivery system and newer turbofan engines. The speed of the E model was over Mach 2.2. The F model has an improved motor and was used in Lybia and Iraq. The G modell is an updated and strengthened version of FB-111A.
The F-102 is nearly a same aircraft, its forepart is longer, however. It has the same features, the same mission and was used in the Vietnam War as well.