Top 10 Iconic RAAF Aircraft - 1: General Dynamics F-111C

At number one in the countdown of our most iconic aircraft, it’s the one you’ve all been waiting for: the General Dynamics F-111C.
 
Arriving in Australia in 1973, the ‘Pig’ was the fastest aircraft we have ever operated. Its innovated swing-wing design allowed it to fly at a top speed of Mach 2.5, or two and a half times the speed of sound.
 
A favourite at air displays for decades until its retirement in 2010, it doesn’t get more iconic than an F-111 dump and burn. Did you get to see the F-111 in action?  

#AirForce100 #ThenNowAlways

[allanjones]

The best aircraft we've ever had. So sorry to see it retired 10yrs ago. Awesome jet. The pig is gone. Long live the memories of this magnificent piece of aeronautical engineering. Lest we forget.

[robman]

This has been a great series of videos by the RAAF in celebration of their Centenary. Congratulations to the RAAF and the team who created the videos for a job well done.

[maxshell]

Definitely the inspiration for a lot of people wanting to become fast jet pilots in the RAAF, myself included

[ianrobinson]

Living at Ipswich for a number of years, I never got tired of seeing these planes flying over head to land at the nearby RAAF base' Amberley. A beaut plane and even more so when they were "show offs" with that dump and burn. 24/03/2121

[draxl]

It was an honour to work on them at 3AD in the 70's. A truly remarkable aircraft, cutting edge achievements, proven.

[bigpuppy]

In the early seventies I visited the GD factory in Houston building the F-111C with my dad who was the RAAF Project Manager of the Pig. The buiding was almost a mile long.

[davidewhite]

Hey I'm famous! 3.25 I'm in the maintenance shot, that's me standing on a ladder looking into the cockpit. ISTR it was either A8-130 or 131 R5 servicing

[ericpaulgoldie]

This is a brilliant series and wish it had more exposure. From the narrative, cinematography, history, interviews and overall editing all were exceptional. Well done.

[FourofHearts]

Our favourite aircraft! Nobody can beat this aircraft in speed. Let's go!

[leokimvideo]

During its whole service life it never saw combat or conflict. Maybe it needs to be remembered as the Peacekeeper Pig

[michaelhayden]

The second last to land is tail number 109 which is on display at HARS Aviation Museum at Shellharbour Airport, Albion Park, NSW. Come along we will even let you sit in the left hand seat!

[CallsignEskimo-lo]

The Pig is a fitting No. 1. However, it's a disgrace that the P-40 Kittyhawk didn't make the list. It's the aircraft in which Australia's most successful fighter pilot became an Ace-in-a-Day and, in the hands of 75 & 76 SQNs, was pivotal in the first land defeat of the Japanese at Milne Bay. Milne Bay is the one battle in the history of the RAAF where RAAF aircraft were, in the words of the Commanding General, decisive in the Allied victory and its a shame that this significant achievement is not recognised.

[Rossk]

Lived at Toonumbar Dam west of Kyogle in the 1970s. Think they often used it as a waypoint on the way down to the bombing range south of Evan Heads. Came down the valley seemingly very low with the sound echoing off the valley walls and stored water. Frightened the hell out of me a number of times.

[PaulP]

Just brilliant, leading tech at the Time of purchase, and these beauties put the fear of God into any neighbours that had aggressive thoughts about Australia 👍

[sprocketdiver]

The most effective military hardware we have ever operated. A capability not replaced, not even close to matched.

[Spectre-tvwi]

They should bring back the F-111 for air show purposes

[SteepSix]

*Half a century later* - The RAAF can barely do Mach 1.5, can barely cover half the combat range, and can barely carry just over half the payload... What am I missing here?

[Tuglife]

Definitely one of my most favorite Aircraft in the Royal Australian Air Force and our United States Air Force! Hate they retired the General Dynamics F-111 Aardvarks, FB-111s, and EF-111A Ravens "Spark Varks"! Love the Pig!!

[potterj]

I love how we were like' We're experts in artillery. And they made it work.

[terryirons]

f - 111 .. Gone but NOT forgotten .