Are There Any F-111s or Variants Still Flying?

Questions often arise regarding the continued operation of F-111 jets, given the aircraft's long history and significant military impact. While the F-111 and its variants have20 years of service, the last operational run of these aircraft has been long since retired. Let's delve into the history and status of the F-111s and their variants.

History of the F-111

The F-111, also known as the Aardvark, was a strategic bomber and fighter-bomber aircraft that entered service in the late 1960s. Originally concieved as a conventional bomber, the F-111 evolved into an all-weather strike aircraft. Two primary10 versions were developed: the F-111F and the F-111A (later re-designated as EF-111A Raven).

Retirement of the F-111

The United States Air Force (USAF) retired the F-111 in 1998, following the final operational flight of the EF-111A Raven in 1998. The Air Force had a fleet of F-111s, including the F-111F and the FB-111A and FB-111G, which were re-designated as F-111G when they became redundant due to the introduction of the B-1B. Some aircraft of the FB-111A type were sold to Australia in 1993, contributing to the Australian Defence Force's F-111C fleet. The F-111C variants in Australia were the last operational F-111s, retiring in 2010.

Engineering Testing

While no active F-111s are in operational service, there have been reports suggesting that a few aircraft may occasionally be seen in testing scenarios. These tests are often conducted for the purpose of engineering research and development, particularly regarding various aircraft detection systems. Some civilians have reported sightings of "triangular-shaped UFOs," but such reports should be viewed with skepticism, given the familiarity of the local population with the area's aviation activities.

Replacement Aircraft

In the absence of operational F-111s, the USAF has transitioned to the F-15E Strike Eagle for similar roles. The Australian Defence Force (ADF) replaced the F-111s with the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, although this particular aircraft does not strictly replace the capabilities of the F-111s. The Super Hornets do offer advanced capabilities and better cost-efficiency.

FG-111 'Sparkvarks'

Despite the retirement of the F-111, some aircraft, primarily the EF-111F and EF-111G 'Sparkvarks,' may still be involved in specialized operations. These aircraft, while no longer in active service, could be undergoing engineering tests or retained for specialized missions. The Sparkvarks are known for their unique characteristics, including the large Grumman tail-fin pods, which make them distinguishable from F-111s of earlier generations. Notably, the Sparkvarks are also recognized for the first time when an unarmed aircraft avoided a hostile fighter by evasive maneuvers during the Gulf War in 1991.

Final Remarks

While it is unlikely that any F-111s are currently in operational service, the legacy of these aircraft remains significant. Their history and role in military operations continue to intrigue aviation enthusiasts and historians alike. The transition to newer and more advanced aircraft like the F-15E and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet reflects the evolution of military technology and strategic needs.

Keywords: F-111, EF-111, F-18E/F Super Hornet