The F-111 Challenge! Trivia Quiz

Answer: General Dynamics

In designing the F-111, General Dynamics introduced many new features such as variable geometry wings, afterburning turbofan engines, and a pilot and copilot seated side-by-side in a capsule that ejects as a unit.

Answer: False

Even though the name has always been commonly used to reference the F-111, the name "Aardvark" was never officially designated by either the manufacturer or the USAF until the retirement ceremony for the aircraft. It was only at that time the term was officially applied.

Answer: Australia

Australia ordered a modified version of the F-111 called the F-111C and received it after a 10 year delay. The United Kingdom also ordered the aircraft, but ultimately cancelled it.

Answer: Fighter/interceptor

The F-111A was meant to be the long range tactical attack for the USAF while the F-111B was meant to be the long range interceptor for the USN. The F-111B was cancelled due to escalating costs and issues with the plane's weight and performance. In fact, the famous F-14 Tomcat from the "Top Gun" movie owes its existence to the cancellation of the F-111B as it was chosen as the replacement design.

Answer: Grumman

Grumman had considerable experience in the EW field, mainly due to its design of the EA-6A for the USM and the EA-6B for the USN. The main system used in the EF-111A is based on the EA-6B system but more advanced and highly automated, as the EF-111A is operated by one pilot and one systems operator whereas the EA-6B has three systems operators.

Answer: 2.5

All versions of the aircraft can fly at that speed.

Answer: B-52

This version of the F-111 had a lengthened wing, and other modifications. It was promised to offer the same distance and load carrying ability but be twice as fast. It had too much difficulty fulfilling the payload and distance figures but still did enter service, albeit not on the scale needed to replace the B-52.

Answer: Sidewinder

The sidewinder was carried under the base of the wings, however the primary means of defense for the aircraft was its ability to fly fast and maneuver well at low levels. For the EF-111A version its primary means of defense was its electronic warfare suite.

Answer: 563

Even though it had a very troublesome birth, the true potential of the F-111 was eventually realized and proved to be very useful, going as far as earning praise by many aviation and military critics as being arguably the best tactical bomber in the world. It has won many international bombing competitions.

Answer: 1996

During the retirement ceremony, the name "aardvark" was finally applied to the F-111, recognizing the fact the name has been applied to the aircraft the whole time, albeit in an unofficial manner. The EF-111A variant was retired a few years later in 1998.