In its early design and development, the F-111 was known as the Tactical Fighter Experimental (TFX) and by the world’s press as the ‘swing­ wing’ fighter. In 1963, the Australian Government took the unusual step of ordering 24 TFX aircraft, while they were still in the design phase. The 24 Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) aircraft were designated as F-111Cs, with the RAAF becoming the only air force outside the US to operate the aircraft.
The project experienced extensive delays due to the complex design of the variable geometry wing and the aircraft remained at the Fort Worth factory until the problems were resolved. The first aircraft finally arrived in Australia in June 1973.
In order to extend the local aircraft’s service life, the Minister for Defence announced the procurement of 15 ex USAF F-111G aircraft in October 1992. The F-111G shared the longer wings and heavier undercarriage of the F-111C but was powered by the Pratt & Whitney P-107 turbofan.
The F-111 was the first aircraft capable of making blind first pass precision attacks on targets at extremely low altitudes, night or day, in all weather conditions, using its Terrain Following Radar linked to the autopilot at speeds up to Mach 1.2 at sea level.
A8-148, on display, was the last F-111C aircraft delivered to the RAAF and was handed over on 4 December 1973. A8-148 served in both 1 Squadron and 6 Squadron and dropped live ordinance for the final time during Exercise Chong Ju over the Puckapunyal live firing range in Victoria on 13 May 2010. The aircraft was retired after its appearance as a static display at the final F-111 retirement ceremony at RAAF Amberley, QLD on the 3rd December, 2010.