Thats it, then. Goodbye F-111.

[Paul K]

http://www.key.aero/view_news.asp?ID=28 ... n=military

And with it pretty much goes my last vestige of interest in contemporary military aviation. Never thought the day would arrive.

[Garry Russell]

Blimey

Not being a follower of military to any close degree I wasn't aware that the type had disappeared so much , although thinking about it I'd not heard about F-111's for a long while

Thanks for that Paul

[ianhind]

I recall visiting Upper Heyford just after the first two F-111E were delivered (80035 and 80045). Considering they were fiscal year 1968 that was indeed a long time ago.

Just checked the visit date: September 1970 so that was 40 years ago

Ian

[Garry Russell]

Amazing how old some of these things are now

Even modern types like the B1 has been around for nigh on thirty years

[Vulcan_to_the_Sky!]

They've certainly been around a long time. Shame to see them leave service.

[Garry Russell]

I've never seen one

Guess I never will now

[clavel9]

I saw two F-111's fly past at an air show in Ireland back in the early '80s. (Along with four F-4's and an F-15) Very possibly one of the loudest noises I've ever heard.

It will remain a controversial aircraft, another example of a design hopelessly compromised by a poorly drafted brief and the incompatibility of the USAF/USN demands of the TFX design. Not to mention the politics surrounding the awarding of the TFX contract to General Dynamics in the first place.

It will probably be best remembered for the attack on Libya in 1986 (Operation El Dorado Canyon) and its participation in Operation Desert Storm.