Why we can't produce a new generation of this same airframe and simply add more powerful and fuel efficient engines (fuel efficiency relative to thrust), and install all the newest avionics (GPS controlled TFR), the newest weapons systems and electronic warfare gear, semi-stealth technology (i.e. radar absorbent coatings) and including even better low level capabilities (again GPS/TFR). I believe all of this could be accomplished with the same old airframe. It is a large strong aircraft.
Yeah, truly an outstanding fighter. The US doesn't seem to have the capability to produce powerful systems anymore. This leads to a situation where Russia and China will take the lead in military power. The American people has soften A LOT.
A well seasoned aircraft, even by todays standards very capable. I always liked the design, both technical and optical. Many innovations which made this ac so versatile were incorporated into military ac around the world. Sad to see her go.
Sad Australia is scrapping this aircraft and buying less capable Superhornets. For a fraction of the cost the F111 could have been upgraded and improved (as the USA is doing to their B1s and B2s) and could serve well for another 20 years.
But Boeing was desperate to get Australia to buy new hornets and politicians can be bought. But when China really starts flexing its muscles in the Asia/Pacific, Australia will wish it had stored it's F111s somewhere instead of converting them into beer cans.
@mole5101 Let's not kid ourselves, the Chinese don't need to flex anything to ruin Australia. All they need to do is stop buying Australian commodities and your economy collapses.
@PrometheanRunGood The Chinese NEED the world to successfully run their economy. Without those "commodities" from down under, China would have a problem, and THEY don't kid themselves about it either... SMILE
@DeVizardofOZ Sure China needs the world, but do they need Australia? Name something that Australia has that the world doesn't. They do plenty of business here in Canada too and we haven't resorted to underhanded methods like Rio Tinto did.
Get with it Australia, if you're doing business in someone else's country you have to respect their laws.
Thanks for posting the F-111 series! I use to be a Crew Chief on 67-108 out of Mtn Home AFB, ID (MO) back in the late 80's. That was one dang good bird while I was there, never was down for major maintenance. Sadly I learned that she was scrapped. Glad to see that they are still being flown by our allies!
Still have two scars on my forehead from the EF-111 antenna over the main gear. LOL
This series was the Discovery Channel's finest moment. I wish they would show these from time to time on the history channel; maybe give ice road truckers a bloody rest. Thanks for posting these.
I wish they would as well. I'd really like to find out the name of the music score to open and close the show with, I love that theme song. Does anyone the name of it?
verry nice .. there retired from service as a consetion in the nuclear disarmerment treaties. the few in service now with RAAF now can hit 2.8mach now thats fast . long live the pig
Well Quokka57, i hope they don't get retired too soon after the JSFs have arrived. To me it is one of the most aesthetically pleasing-looking aircraft, trully a beautiful design.
Great series (1-5). Thanks for putting it up. It's added another dimension to my understanding of the 'Vark. A much loved aircraft down here in Australia. An aircraft hard to beat way back then, and still hard to beat decades later. Long live the 'Pig' !!
Why we can't produce a new generation of this same airframe and simply add more powerful and fuel efficient engines (fuel efficiency relative to thrust), and install all the newest avionics (GPS controlled TFR), the newest weapons systems and electronic warfare gear, semi-stealth technology (i.e. radar absorbent coatings) and including even better low level capabilities (again GPS/TFR). I believe all of this could be accomplished with the same old airframe. It is a large strong aircraft.
jamcrane3 3 months ago
Yeah, truly an outstanding fighter. The US doesn't seem to have the capability to produce powerful systems anymore. This leads to a situation where Russia and China will take the lead in military power. The American people has soften A LOT.
StiviGun1 1 year ago
A well seasoned aircraft, even by todays standards very capable. I always liked the design, both technical and optical. Many innovations which made this ac so versatile were incorporated into military ac around the world. Sad to see her go.
DeVizardofOZ 1 year ago
Australia has an army?
puckman5444 1 year ago
Sad Australia is scrapping this aircraft and buying less capable Superhornets. For a fraction of the cost the F111 could have been upgraded and improved (as the USA is doing to their B1s and B2s) and could serve well for another 20 years.
But Boeing was desperate to get Australia to buy new hornets and politicians can be bought. But when China really starts flexing its muscles in the Asia/Pacific, Australia will wish it had stored it's F111s somewhere instead of converting them into beer cans.
mole5101 1 year ago
@mole5101 Let's not kid ourselves, the Chinese don't need to flex anything to ruin Australia. All they need to do is stop buying Australian commodities and your economy collapses.
PrometheanRunGood 1 year ago
@PrometheanRunGood The Chinese NEED the world to successfully run their economy. Without those "commodities" from down under, China would have a problem, and THEY don't kid themselves about it either... SMILE
DeVizardofOZ 1 year ago
@DeVizardofOZ Sure China needs the world, but do they need Australia? Name something that Australia has that the world doesn't. They do plenty of business here in Canada too and we haven't resorted to underhanded methods like Rio Tinto did.
Get with it Australia, if you're doing business in someone else's country you have to respect their laws.
PrometheanRunGood 1 year ago
Thanks for posting the F-111 series! I use to be a Crew Chief on 67-108 out of Mtn Home AFB, ID (MO) back in the late 80's. That was one dang good bird while I was there, never was down for major maintenance. Sadly I learned that she was scrapped. Glad to see that they are still being flown by our allies!
Still have two scars on my forehead from the EF-111 antenna over the main gear. LOL
Dremwolf 1 year ago
An aircraft that won the peace but never got credit for its excellence.
Shipdship 1 year ago
thank god for the military channel cauz discovery channel doesnt show these types of shows anymore
Eirik36 1 year ago
Viva la pig!
conradbi 1 year ago
@conradbi
Right
DavidRossThompson 1 year ago
This series was the Discovery Channel's finest moment. I wish they would show these from time to time on the history channel; maybe give ice road truckers a bloody rest. Thanks for posting these.
basserase 2 years ago 2
I wish they would as well. I'd really like to find out the name of the music score to open and close the show with, I love that theme song. Does anyone the name of it?
DavidRossThompson 2 years ago
verry nice .. there retired from service as a consetion in the nuclear disarmerment treaties. the few in service now with RAAF now can hit 2.8mach now thats fast . long live the pig
HEINZUNIMOG 3 years ago
Well Quokka57, i hope they don't get retired too soon after the JSFs have arrived. To me it is one of the most aesthetically pleasing-looking aircraft, trully a beautiful design.
zoomotorpool 3 years ago
Yep. She's a beauty. Strangely enough, it was called the 'Ugly Duckling' when it first arrived here... :)
Quokka57 3 years ago
Great series (1-5). Thanks for putting it up. It's added another dimension to my understanding of the 'Vark. A much loved aircraft down here in Australia. An aircraft hard to beat way back then, and still hard to beat decades later. Long live the 'Pig' !!
Quokka57 3 years ago 2
I envy you guys down under! I used to be a bomb loader on D and F models, and I really miss that jet. Keep it flying, keep it alive!
jonesy97 3 years ago