Retirement of the F-111 Fighter Bomber After Decades of Service
The F-111 Aardvark, a tactical fighter-bomber developed for the US Air Force, was officially retired after decades of service, with its last units decommissioned between 1992 and 1996. A total of 566 F-111s were produced, featuring innovative variable-geometry wings, and many are now preserved in museums. The retirement coincided with a reduction in military presence following the Cold War, culminating in a ceremony for the final four aircraft in July 1996.
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The F-111 Aardvark, initially known as TFX, was developed to fulfill a US Air Force requirement for a new tactical fighter-bomber, with its first flight occurring in December 1964 and production models delivered in 1967. A total of 566 F-111s were manufactured.
The aircraft featured variable-geometry wings and could operate in various conditions. The F-111 was in service until 1996, with 39 units preserved in museums or Air Force bases. Following the Cold War's end, the USAF reduced its military presence, leading to the retirement of the F-111s at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base (D-M AFB).
The last F-111s were retired between 1992 and 1996, with a ceremony marking the final departure of four aircraft to storage at D-M AFB in July 1996. The F-111F, despite being phased out, remained in use until newer aircraft replaced it.
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