The Flying Pig - F-111 Aardvark
The General Dynamics F111 was not just any other aircraft of the Cold War. It was born as part of the Tactical Fighter Experimental program ordered by Robert McNamara himself to create a plane that could fit roles requested by both the Navy and the Air Force.
The F111 had a troublesome beginning in the 60s. And at the heart of it was an old grudge between the military branches.
Like many of its colleagues of the epoch, the F111 had unique innovations and cons that left the two branches divided. Although the Navy despised it, the USAF loved it.
Conceived as a fighter, bomber, and interceptor, the F111 pioneered the concept of using variable-sweep wings, terrain-following radar, and afterburning turbofan engines that were unique for its time.
It successfully served during the critical years of the Vietnam War, Operation El Dorado Canyon in the 80s, and Operation Desert Storm during the Gulf War.
Called the Aardvark, or earth pig, for its long nose, the last F111s were retired from the USAF in 1996 and in 2010 by the Australia Air Force after a 40-year long career that spanned various combat configurations.
