I spent 11 years on the F-111 program. Been in flight at over Mach on Hard Ride TFR (Terrain Following Radar). The plane was ahead of its time in many ways and was a superb platform for Weapons Delivery. The B-1 is a larger version of the same technology.
It was politically at odds with other programs because it crossed the lines in capabilities of so many different aircraft at the time.
It was "on its way out" until the first Iraqi conflict, when it was asked to provide ummm "support" to the B1 and the stealth, whereby it became responsible for 30% of the total destruction delivered by 70% less of the effort that the other aircraft it was umm supporting.
The Aussie version is the C model F-111. It is the most stripped down version of all of the models (it went up to the F Model). The Aussies are superb pilots, and they can make that aircraft perform like noone else was allowed to.
The C Model was placed into more of the "fighter" aspect of the planes capabilities and less of the "bomber" role. I envy the Aussie's Theater of Operations. You placed no speed restrictions on your pilots, they were allowed to do what that plane was fully capable of. The F-111 can do Mach 2.5 at 250 feet all on Terrain Following Radar if you desire. No other aircraft until the last decade could do anything close to this aircraft.
During my 11 years assigned to the F-111 program I spent 3 of those years in Europe (Lakenheath on the "F" model). It's job was to be able to insert itself into Russian territory, launch a Nuke and be out over international waters before it detonated. It could do this in any weather at any time of day or night.
That is some fast*ss flying and amazing delivery capabilities.
It was a great aircraft that finally needed to be retired.
The "C" Model is the last of its kind and as far as I am concerned, the best version of the aircraft. My hats off the Aussies, you guys were great to work with.
Farewell my dear friend, I loved working with you.
