Subject: Number 111 in the Series--General Dynamics F-111 (11 of 13)

From: [email-masked]
Date: 21 Mar 94 17:16:51 GMT

>From [email-masked]

As the Rockwell B-1B long-range strategic bomber entered service, the 
FB-111As still remaining with SAC were converted into tactical 
configuration under the designation F-111G.  Under this program, the 
FB-111A's short range attack missile (SRAM) system for stand-off 
nuclear delivery was retained, and a conventional weapons release 
system was installed to provide for dual-role capability.  Other 
improvements included the installation of a Have Quick UHF radio and a 
new ECM system.  

The first two F-111G conversions were completed in early 1989.  The 
program was originally scheduled to continue at a rate of 
approximately twelve conversions per year.  The first F-111Gs and 
FB-111As were transferred from SAC to TAC between June and December 
1990.  Deployment in Europe was considered for a brief time, but the 
F-111G aircraft were added instead to the 27th TFW stationed at Cannon 
AFB, NM, (augmenting the wing's F-111Ds) following the 1990-91 
disbandment of SAC's 509th BW at Pease AFB, NH, and the 380th BW at 
Plattsburgh AFB, NY.  

The USAF currently has 62 FB-111s/F-111Gs on strength.  The F-111G has 
been used primarily for training, but is scheduled to be supplanted in 
the training role by the F-111E.  This makes the F-111G now surplus to 
USAF requirements.  On June 29, 1993, Australia announced that it was 
going to purchase 15 of these surplus F-111G aircraft.  They will 
enter service at RAAF Amberley in late 1994, joining 18 F-111Cs and 
four RF-111Cs already in RAAF service.  

Sources:

  United States Military Aircraft Since 1909, Gordon Swanborough and
  Peter M. Bowers, Smithsonian, 1989.

  General Dynamics Aircraft and their Predecessors, John Wegg, 
  Naval Institute Press, 1990.

  F-111 Aardvark--USAF's Ultimate Strike Aircraft, Tony Thornborough,
  Osprey Aerospace, 1993.

  F-111 Aardvark, Hans Halberstadt, Specialty Press, 1992.