Atlas Editions Jet Age 4675-104
General Dynamics F-111A Aardvark Diecast Model
USAF 474th FBW, 428th TFS, #66-0025, Takhli RTAFB, Thailand, Operation Combat Lancer 1968 |
| 1:144 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| General Dynamics F-111A Aardvark | | 6.25" | | 5.25" |
In 1967 Det 1, 428th Tactical Fighter Squadron, began testing pre-production F-111As under the code name Harvest Reaper. Though problems remained, the USAF sent six of these F-111As to Thailand in March 1968 for operational tests called Combat Lancer. Combat Lancer F-111As flew single aircraft precision strikes at night or in poor weather at low altitude. The enemy had little or no warning because the F-111A crews did not have to visually see the target to hit it, and they could strike on the first pass. Highly praised by its crews, the F-111A did not need aerial tankers, fighter cover or surface-to-air missile (SAM) protection like other aircraft. Though the F-111A showed great promise, it had serious problems. Accidents or malfunctions caused the loss of three F-111As and four crewmembers in 55 combat sorties (one mission by one aircraft equals one sortie). After the third aircraft loss, combat testing ended.
Please note: This model ships with the landing gear packaged separately, however it may require some glue to hold it in place correctly. The model can be displayed on its stand without the landing gear, although there are closed gear doors included to cover the open landing gear bays.
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.
The Atlas Editions "Jet Age" range presents affordable, ready made diecast models of military aircraft in 1:144 and 1:200 scale.
Atlas Editions diecast airplanes feature:
- Diecast metal and plastic construction.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
