Concept and conduct of proof test of F-111 production aircraft

Extract

F-111 aircraft are in service with both the Tactical Air Command and the Strategic Air Command in the USAF. The aircraft performs primarily in the fighter-bomber role for TAC and as a strategic bomber capable of high and low altitude penetration with SAC. Over 100 000 flight hours have been accumulated by the F-111 fleet including a limited amount of combat flying. The broad spectrum of service requirements for the F-111 include short field take-off and landing capability, all weather and deep interdiction, close air support with large payloads, high altitude high speed air defence, and world-wide deployment with minimum tanker support. Major technical advancements were necessary in meeting these requirements, including most notably a variable-sweep wing. The unswept high aspect ratio positions provide for maximum range and endurance and short take-off and landing distances. The wing in moderate sweep positions provides an efficient configuration for sustained high subsonic and high altitude supersonic flight. Supersonic flight at sea level at speeds in excess of the capability of any other aircraft plus supersonic speeds at altitude in excess of Mach 2.0 are achieved in a most highly swept low aspect ratio wing position.