Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA3001
General Dynamics F-111A Aardvark Diecast Model
USAF 474th TFW, 429th TFS Black Falcons, Takhli RTAFB, Thailand, Operation Linebacker, September 1972 |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| General Dynamics F-111A Aardvark | | 12.25" | | 10.5" |
When the North Vietnamese invaded South Vietnam in the spring of 1972, the 474th TFW began seeing indications of a possible deployment, since their F-111As were the only combat-ready F-111s at the time. It was decided that when the deployment occurred, a record for the elapsed time between the alert order and the bombs on target would be attempted. The 429th TFS was the first squadron to deploy. They divided into three groups with the first two groups acting as ferry crews moving the aircraft from Nellis to Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand. The third group flew directly to Takhli and prepared to fly the first combat missions. The combat crews had about 24 hours of rest before the airplanes arrived. The 12 aircraft deployed on September 27,1972. The record was set with F-111As in combat 55 miles northwest of Hanoi - 33 hours after leaving Nellis. However, one of the aircraft, (67-0078), was lost in the first night of operations. The aircraft made it to the target, but did not return home. The first mission package was scheduled for six aircraft and assigned targets in the western part of North Vietnam. The aircraft had been on the ground about four hours before launching on their bombing missions. Three of the aircraft ground-aborted the mission with equipment failure, the fourth aircraft aborted in the air after ECM equipment failed; the fifth airplane (67-0078) never returned from mission; and the sixth aircraft couldn't get to its primary target and was forced to bomb an alternate.
Designed to meet the combined requirements of the US Air Force and the US Navy, the F-111 Aardvark was first flown on December 21, 1964. Several versions of the F-111 were developed, but the Navy canceled its version in 1968 leaving the Air Force the F-111's sole US operator. The Aardvark was well ahead of its time, pioneering such technologies as terrain following radar, afterburning turbofans and variable sweep wings. Though it was originally conceived as a multi-role fighter, it was better suited to a role as a long-range attack aircraft. It was armed with air-to surface ordnance and was equipped to carry free-fall nuclear weapons. © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Hobby Master's 1:72 scale F-111 Aardvark is a large model in this scale with many fine features, such as articulating swing wings with under-wing ordnance, configured with ball and socket mounts for secure and easy positioning. The large canopy is removable for easy viewing of the cockpit's interior and crew figures, and structural component details can be seen inside the main gear bay. The landing gear has been included as complete subassemblies for quick and easy configuration. Variants in this series include the early F-111A, the F-111C with longer wings and the EF-111A Raven with electronic warfare equipment bulge on top of the fin.
© Copyright 2003-2013 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft.
Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" diecast airplanes feature:
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.
© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
