Originally known as the TFX (Tactical Fighter X), the F-111 was conceived to meet a USAF requirement for a new tactical fighter-bomber. In 1960 the Department of Defense combined the USAF's requirement with a Navy need for a new air superiority fighter, then launched a competition among aircraft manufacturers for the final design. In 1962 General Dynamics and Boeing were selected as finalists with the General Dynamics TFX design eventually winning out. The Navy version was known as the F-111B and the USAF version the F-111A.

The first flight of the F-111A took place in December 1964, and the first production models were delivered to the USAF in 1967. Meanwhile, the Navy's F-111B program was canceled. In all, 566 F-111s of all series were built; 159 of them were preproduction and production F-111As.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Span: 32 ft. swept; 63 ft. extended

Length: 73 ft. 6 in.

Height: 17 ft.

Weight: 92,657 lbs. maximum

Armament: One 20mm M61A1 gun, plus a mix of up to 24 conventional or nuclear weapons

Engines: Two Pratt & Whitney TF30-P-3 of 18,500 lbs. thrust each (with afterburner)

Crew: Two

Cost: $8.2 million

PERFORMANCE:

Maximum speed: 1,452 mph

Cruising speed: 685 mph

Range: 3,632 miles

Service ceiling: 57,000 ft.