F-111C

In the 1960s, the Royal Australian Air Force sought to replace their Canberra bombers due to their capability limits and lack of all weather operation capability. Lacking a capable bomber that could match the Tu-16, the RAAF began searching for a new type that could satisfy its longer range requirements. Assessments were made of several current and up and coming aircraft, such the A-5, F-4 Phantom II, Mirage IV, TSR.2 and the then TFX program. Political and economical issues steered the RAAF away from the TSR.2, with the economic cost of the Mirage IV also being a deciding factor. The final winner was the TFX program which offered to meet all the needs and requirements set out.

When the F-111 finally emerged from the TFX program, it became clear that the RAAF would require its own modifications to be made to what was to be the B (Naval) variant for it to be accepted. A longer wing design was incorporated, a unique intake redesign, along with some additional changes to radio equipment and undercarriage improvements were all introduced to the aircraft. Now designated F-111C, the aircraft was officially delivered in 1968, but due to delays, training and initial teething issues, it was not officially introduced into full service until 1973. Initially a batch of 24 were produced for Australia, with a further 4 converted from American F-111s to F-111C standard. 4 aircraft in total were also converted to RF-111C reconnaissance aircraft.

The F-111C provided the RAAF with the capacity to reach Jakarta in Indonesia, something the Canberra and other types previously in service could never achieve. While never seeing direct combat with the RAAF, they came very close in 1991 when they were moved to standby ready for replacing the F-18s operating in the Gulf War should they need to be rotated out. However, the war would end before that was necessary. They would be put on standby for possible operations in East Timor with the UN INTERFET force that Australia led during the independence of Timor-Leste from Indonesia. The aircraft served more than 40 years at the hands of the Royal Australian Air Force, and finally retired in service in 2010.

F-111F

The F-111F was a modernized variant of the earlier Aardvarks, featuring more powerful TF30-P-100 engines and much higher thrust output over the F-111A. Operated by the USAF, the F-111F Pacer Strike was the final fighter variant of the aircraft produced. As well as the previously mentioned engine improvements, the aircraft was fitted with the AN/AVQ-26 Pave Tack FLIR target designator, allowing the use of guided munitions like the Paveway among other modernizations to its loadouts and systems.

This variant would serve heavily in the 1991 Gulf War, dropping more laser guided bombs than any other type of aircraft. The type would successfully fly a high percentage of combat missions, striking their targets and destroying them with a high level of precision, more so than most other allied coalition aircraft taking part. The F-111F is credited with destroying over 1000+ tanks and armored vehicles during the conflict. 1996 would mark the final retirement of the F variant in USAF service.