What replaced the F-111 in Australia?

The F-111s were replaced by 24 Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornets pending delivery of F-35 Lightning IIs in development.

What happened to Australia’s F-111?

The RAAF had operated the F-111 since 1973. Following the F-111s’ retirement, 13 of the surviving aircraft (12 F-111Cs and a single F-111G) were preserved in aviation museums and RAAF air bases. The remaining 23 aircraft were buried at the Swanbank landfill site outside of Ipswich, Queensland, between Nov.

Why did Australia buy F-111?

The Australian government’s decision to acquire 24 F-111s was made in the context of the 1963 federal election and was influenced by the need to replace the Canberra bombers, concerns about Indonesian President Sukarno, and Prime Minister Robert Menzies’s desire to further cement US–Australian relations.

Does Australia have F 15s?

The RAAF’s premier air defence aircraft is the Boeing F-15K/M Eagle. The RAAF operates two squadrons of F-15 Eagles, plus an Operational Conversion Unit. The F-15 was ordered in 1984 as part of a project to replace the RAAF’s fighter force which had until then consisted of F-4E Phantoms and Mirage IIIs.

Was the F-111 any good?

The F-111 was a multipurpose tactical fighter bomber capable of supersonic speeds. The aircraft was one of the more controversial aircraft ever to fly, yet it achieved one of the safest operational records of any aircraft in USAF history and became a highly effective all-weather interdiction aircraft.

Was the f117 a failure?

The aircraft was first presented in October 1983 before being retired 25 years later, in April 2008. It served the U.S. Air Force through many different combat situations, including the Yugoslav Wars, in which it played a significant role. So, let’s take a look back at the F-117 and why, ultimately, it failed.

Is there a replacement for the F-111?

The F-111 is a remarkable aircraft. With its long range and weapons carrying capability, its avionics fit which allows all weather strike, and by virtue of the terrain-following radar allowing low-level penetration to the target, the F-111 is unique, and to date no viable replacement has emerged.

When was the first F-111C handed over to the RAAF?

The first F-111C was handed over to the RAAF on 4 September 1968, but problems with the wing carry-through box (the advanced wing sweep mechanism) delayed delivery to Australia.

How many F-111s were used in Iraq?

Eighteen F-111Es were also deployed during the operation. The F-111s were credited with destroying more than 1,500 Iraqi tanks and armored vehicles. Their use in the anti-armor role was dubbed ” tank plinking “. The F-111 was in service with the USAF from 1967 through 1998.

What happened to the F-111 electronic warfare aircraft?

The USAF retired the EF-111 electronic warfare variant in 1998. The Australian government ordered 24 F-111C aircraft to replace the RAAF’s English Electric Canberras in the bombing and tactical strike role. While the first aircraft was officially handed over in September 1968, structural issues delayed the entry into service.