ADF-SERIALS
Australian & New Zealand Military Aircraft Serials
& History
RAAF A8
General Dynamics F-111A/C/G and RF-111C
| RAAF.Serial | Const. Number |
Aircraft. Type |
Aircraft History |
| A8-109 | A1-154 | F-111A modified to F-111C |
Ex-USAF
67-0109. Delivered to the USAF 15/07/69. Assigned to the 430th TFS at Nellis AFB NV. Served in Vietnam (CONSTANT GUARD V) but not in original 48 ship cadre. Deployed to Takhli RTAFB Thailand as avionics TFR test aircraft 8/12/72, program under the direction of General Catledge. OT&E program 72a-1820 started 11/12/72 and completed 19/12/72. 12-15 December flew with a chase plane which took a well published photo from its Strike Camera of 67-109 flying up over a karst. 67-109 did fly limited number of combat missions. Assigned to the 347th TFW "tail code HG " at Takhli. Returned to the 474th at Nellis AFB NM. Transferred from Nellis AFB 474th TFW to Mountain Home AFB 366th TFW during Operation READY SWITCH in 1977. ex NA/474th TFW 10/75; MO/366th TFW 10/78. Assigned to the 390th TFS "Boars" "Green section" Purchased by RAAF as an attrition replacement in 1982. Delivered to RAAF 20/08/82. and modified to F-111C status. Updated to AUP configuration. Took part in the Red Flag Exercise in the USA during 2002, where the RAAF F-111s had a serviceability rate of 100%. Took part in flying display at F-111 retirement ceremony on 3/12/2010. A8-109 performed the final F-111 takeoff (it landed before A8-125) With final engine shutdown at 1.42pm it technically became the world's last operational F-111. Retired on 3/12/2010. Repainted SEA camouflage scheme Delivered to Historical Aircraft Restoration Society, Albion Park 08/04/2013.
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| A8-112 | A1-157 | F-111A modified to F-111C |
Ex-USAF
67-0112. Delivered to the USAF 22/07/69. Assigned to the 430th TFS at Nellis AFB NV. Deployed to Takhli RTAFB Thailand for CONSTANT GUARD V phase three, cell four 27 /09/72 as a 430 TFS aircraft. Phase three cell four departure time from Nellis was 1215 zulu. Phase three cell four under the command of Maj James H. Hamelmann. Assigned to the 347th TFW "tail code HG " at Takhli. On 11 Oct 1972, 67-112 fragged as Coach 44, had to jettison 24 MK-82's whilst taking evasive action to avoid 2 SA-2 SAM launches. The BRU-3A/As caused self damage to the wings. The aircrew used jinking tactics after the first SAM launch, did not use chaff, and had missile guidance indications for 5 seconds. After dropping the first missile guidance, the aircrew received indications of a second SA-2 missile guidance. The aircrew saw the telltale yellow-orange flame and white circle behind them. Survived the engagements. Returned to the 474th at Nellis AFB NV. NA/474th TFW 10/75. Transferred from Nellis AFB 474th TFW to Mountain Home AFB 366th TFW during Operation READY SWITCH in 1977. Assigned to the 390th TFS "Boars" "Green section". Purchased by RAAF as an attrition replacement in1983. Delivered to RAAF, 15/01/83. and modified to F-111C status. In Service 6 Sqn 1/01/2002. 26/06/2002 Suffered explosion in the F2 fuselage fuel tank due to a wiring problem and made an emergency landing at Darwin NT Transported Darwin to Amberley in Antonov 124 Repaired and returned to service with 1 Sqn. 2008 Suffered a bird strike (believed to be a pelican) on 11/04/2008 Noted that it had retired and located in Amberley dump by 09/2010. Still in fenced off dump on 11/03/2011 Aircraft scrapped and fuselage buried at Swanbank landfill site near Ipswich 11/2011. Fin and rudder on display at Beenleigh RSL, Queensland. Painted with 1 Sqn on port side and 6 Sqn on starboard side
|
| A8-113 | A1-158 | F-111A modified to F-111C |
Ex-USAF
67-0113. Delivered to the USAF on 14 /08/69. Assigned to the 474th TFW at Nellis AFB NV. Deployed to Takhli RTAFB Thailand for CONSTANT GUARD V phase three, cell four 27/09/72. 430 TFS aircraft. Phase three cell four departure time from Nellis was 1215 zulu. Phase three cell four under the command of Maj James H. Hamelmann. Assigned to the 347th TFW "tail code HG " at Takhli. As of 18/11/72 aircraft had 38 combat missions flown (high flyer 1st two months). As of 25/11/72 aircraft had 44 combat missions flown. Flew last F-111 combat mission of the Vietnam war 17/04/73. (also reported as flying last mission on a Cambodian target on 15/08/73). Returned to the 474th at Nellis AFB NV. Transferred from Nellis AFB 474th TFW to Mountain Home AFB 366th TFW during Operation READY SWITCH in 1977. Assigned to the 390th TFS "boars" "green section". Landing accident - pilot landed 600 feet short of the runway, bent the jet up enough to make it a cannibalisation jet for 3 years until the 366th wing was ordered to rebuild it around 1980-81. Purchased by
RAAF as an attrition replacement in 1982 .
|
| A8-114 | A1-159 | F-111A modified to F-111C |
Ex-USAF
67-0114. (Last F-111A built). 6/08/69. Assigned to the 474th TFW at Nellis AFB NV. Deployed to Takhli RTAFB Thailand for CONSTANT GUARD V phase three, cell four 27 Sep 1972. 430 TFS aircraft. Phase three cell four departure time from Nellis was 1215 zulu. Phase three cell four under the command of Maj James H. Hamelmann. Assigned to the 347th TFW "tail code HG " at Takhli. 5 Nov 1972 had an inflight incident when aircraft had the right strake broken off when grazed by a released bomb. As of 18 Nov 1972 aircraft had 36 combat missions flown. As of 25 Nov 1972 aircraft had 39 combat missions flown. Returned to the 474th at Nellis AFB NV. Transferred from Nellis AFB 474th TFW to Mountain Home AFB 366th TFW during Operation READY SWITCH in 1977. Assigned to the 390th TFS "Boars" "Green section". Purchased by RAAF as an attrition replacement in 1982 Delivered to RAAF, 23/05/82 and modified to F-111C status Avalon Airshow 1992. Retired by 3/12/2010 Aircraft scrapped and fuselage buried at Swanbank landfill site near Ipswich 11/2011. Fin and rudder on display at Simpson Barracks Watsonia Vic. Painted with 1 Sqn on port side and 6 Sqn on starboard side
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| A8-125 | D1-1 | F-111C | The
USAAF Serial block 67-0125 to 67-0148 was
allocated to the RAAF F-111s although never used
on the aircraft. First Flight 28/08/68 Delivered to RAAF 01/06/73. First F-111 to arrive at RAAF Amberley QLD. Hangared for deep maintenance in 1999. Took part in the Red Flag Exercise in the USA during 2002, where the RAAF F111 had a serviceability rate of 100%. In Service 1 Sqn 2002. In Service 6 Sqn 03/2007. Static Display Avalon 2007. Special Tail Markings applied 2007 for 6 Sqn 1917-2007. Took part in flying display at F-111 retirement ceremony on 3/12/2010. A8-125 was the last to land therefore becoming the world's last flying F-111. Noted 11/03/2011 in outside storage next to dump with external gaps taped over. Departed Amberley by road for Point Cook 24/05/2011. Currently in store at RAAF Museum, Point Cook.
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| A8-126 | D1-2 | RF-111C | First
Flight 13/07/68 Delivered to RAAF 01/06/1973. Richmond Airshow 1988. Modified to RF-111C at General Dymanics, Fort Worth, Texas 05/1979. Richmond Airshow 1988. Took part in flying display at F-111 retirement ceremony on 3/12/2010. Special 1973-2010 tail scheme. Performed solo display and performed the last ever dump and burn. Retired on 3/12/2010. Currently on display at RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre, Qld.
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| A8-127 | D1-3 | F-111C | First
Flight 17/07/68 Delivered to RAAF 01/06/73. Flown to and displayed at RAF Fairford for Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) July 1993. Crashed, 13/09/93 near Guyra NSW. Crew of FLTLT Jeremy McNess & FLTLT Mark Cairns-Cowan of 1SQN killed.
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| A8-128 | D1-4 | F-111C | First
Flight 30/07/68 Delivered to RAAF 1/06/73. Crashed, 02/04/87 near Tenterfield NSW. Crew of FLTLT Mark Fallon and FLGOFF William Pike killed.
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| A8-129 | D1-5 | F-111C | First
Flight 5/08/68 Delivered to RAAF 01/06/73. East Sale Airshow 1993. Nowra Airshow 1998. Avalon Airshow 1999. In Service 1 Sqn 1998/9. On display Amberley Airshow 10/04 undergoing engine change demonstration. Participant of Red Flag 2007. In Service 1 Sqn 2007. Took part in flying display at F-111 retirement ceremony on 3/12/2010. Special 1973-2010 tail scheme. Retired on 3/12/2010. Repainted SEA camouflage scheme On display at Queensland Air Museum, Caloundra, delivered 05/2013.
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| A8-130 | D1-6 | F-111C | First
Flight 15/09/1968 Delivered to RAAF 01/06/73. Participant of Indycar 2006 on practice day. In Service 1 Sqn. Transferred to 6 Sqn. Dropped live ordinance for the final time during Exercise Chong Ju over Puckapunyal on 12-13/05/2010 Retired by 3/12/2010. Noted wingless in fenced off dump on 11/03/2011 and did appear destined to be scrapped. Placard beneath cockpit canopy read "This aircraft has been prepared for destruction and all access is denied" however it was not scrapped. Fitted with wings etc off A8-135 Noted outside RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre 26/07/2011 with wings reattached. Repainted in SEA camouflage scheme. A8-130 was gifted to the Pacific Aviation Museum in Hawaii, Airlifted via 3 RAAF C-17 flights commencing 08/2013.
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| A8-131 | D1-7 | F-111C | First
Flight 22/10/68 Delivered to RAAF 25/07/73. On 18 January 1988, 6 Squadron pilot Flight Lieutenant Keith "Rocky" Logan was forced to engage the arrester hook to take the cable and minimise damage to F-111 A8-131 after its nose wheel malfunctioned on landing. This aircraft had only recently completed repairs to its nose after a round from its gatling gun deflected off the shroud door and through the nose wheel well, exiting through the radome near the pitot probe. Repairs took 5 months to complete. Avalon Airshow 2001, 1 Sqn. In Service RAAF 6 Sqn 2001. Took part in the Red Flag Exercise in the USA during 2002, where the RAAF F111 had a serviceability rate of 100%. In Service 1 Sqn 2002. Tail painted in 30th Anniversary Scheme for F-111 Service in RAAF in 2003. In service 6 Sqn. Final overseas F-111 appearance at Singapore Airshow 4/02/2010 but suffered engine fire and had emergency landing at Changi East Air Base Noted that it had retired and located in Amberley dump by 6/07/2010. Noted in fenced off dump on 11/03/2011 with placard beneath cockpit canopy "This aircraft has been prepared for destruction and all access is denied" Crew module removed and aircraft scrapped. Fuselage buried at Swanbank landfill site near Ipswich 11/2011 Crew module currently on display at Australian National Aviation Museum Moorabbin, Vic.
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| A8-132 | D1-8 | F-111C | First
Flight 21/10/68 Delivered to RAAF 25/07/73. P109 engine change test aircraft and AUP prototype. Returned to Amberley 09/06/96 after upgrade. Underwent numerous trials at ARDU. Participant of Red Flag 2007. In service 1 Sqn 2007. Retired by 3/12/2010. Noted in hangar at Amberley 23/05/2011 repainted in SEA camouflage/white ARDU scheme. Departed Amberley on 05/08/2011 for Edinburgh arriving on 12/08/2011. Currently held at ARDU, RAAF Edinburgh, SA. as proposed gate guard The forward fuselage of FB-111A 68-0246 is being used to refurbish 132's cockpit that had been stripped before it is given to SAAM as a replacement for A8-134 (that is going to the AWM in Canberra)
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| A8-133 | D1-9 | F-111C | First
Flight 22/10/68 Delivered to RAAF 25/07/73. Served with 6 Sqn. Crashed, 29/09/77 near Evans Head NSW (6 Sqn) after a bird flew through the windscreen at low level during bombing pass. Crew module separation activated at approximately 520 kts whilst aircraft descending and outside survival envelope. RAAF Ejection number 50. Crew of SQNLDR John Holt (pilot) and FLTLT A.P. "Phil" Noordink (pilot - undergoing conversion) killed.
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| A8-134 | D1-10 | RF-111C | First
Flight 18/11/68 Delivered to RAAF 25/07/1973. Modified to RF-111C by 3AD in 1980. In service with 6 Sqn 12/10/1992. Avalon Airshow 2003. In Service 1 Sqn 2003. Retired by 3/12/2010. Noted 11/03/2011 in outside storage next to dump with external gaps taped over. Was on display outside RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre. Repainted SEA camouflage scheme On display at the South Australian Aviation Museum, Port Adelaide, SA. Delivered on 18/03/2013. It is to be relocated to the Australian War Memorial SAAM is the receive A8-132 from ARDU Edinburgh as a replacement |
| A8-135 | D1-11 | F-111C | First
Flight 2/12/68 Delivered to RAAF 25/07/73. East Sale Airshow 1996. In Service 1 Sqn 01/03/92. Participant of Red Flag 2007. In service 1 Sqn 2007. Was last F-111 to receive major overhaul (R3 Service) 11/2009 Took part in flying display at F-111 retirement ceremony on 3/12/2010. Special 1973-2010 tail scheme. Retired on 3/12/2010. Noted outside RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre 26/07/2011 with wings, engines and nosewheel doors removed. These parts were replaced on A8-130 Crew module removed and aircraft scrapped. Fuselage buried at Swanbank landfill site near Ipswich 11/2011 Crew module currently on display at Caboolture Warplane Museum, Qld. Fin and rudder on display outside 82 Wing HQ at RAAF Amberley, Queensland. Painted with 1 Sqn on port side and 6 Sqn on starboard side
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| A8-136 | D1-12 | F-111C | First
Flight 5/12/68 Delivered to RAAF 25/07/73. Served with 6 Sqn. Crashed, 28/04/77 5 nm south of Guyra, near Armidale NSW (6 Sqn) due Fuel tank explosion/loss of control. RAAF Ejection number 49. Crew; CAPT (P) W. Baker USAF, FLTLT (N) D. Clarkson, both survived ejection. Crew module used as training aid (Was to be fitted out as an AUP jet but this never happened, remained gutted out) Crew module currently on display at RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre, Qld
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| A8-137 | D1-13 | F-111C | First
Flight 12/12/68 Delivered to RAAF 01/10/73. Served with 1 Sqn. Crashed during take-off 24/08/79 Ohakea New Zealand . Crew ejected in escape module on Rwy 27 at 90 kts with only minor injuries. RAAF Ejection number 55. Crew, FLGOFF (P) M. Kelly, FLTLT (N) A. Curr both survived ejection. Accident caused by water being ingested into air intakes. Tyre chine's were modified on F-111's so it wouldn't happen again. The crew module was used in the F111 Weapons Software Support Facility (F111 WSSF) as a systems trainer Crew module as well as fin and rudder currently on display at RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre, Qld. |
| A8-138 | D1-14 | F-111C | First
Flight 17/12/68 Delivered to RAAF 01/10/1973. In Service 1 Sqn. The first F-111 modified with Pave Tack. The flight on 01/10/1984 was conducted from the General Dynamics plant at Fort Worth, Texas, USA where the aircraft had been modified. The crew was FLTLTs Tim Jones (pilot) and Greg Fitzgerald (navigator). This was the first flight in a Pave Tack flight test program that continued until the end of 1985. Took part in flying display at F-111 retirement ceremony on 3/12/2010. Retired on 3/12/2010. Repainted in SEA camouflage and was displayed at Amberley Heritage Centre awaiting move to become gate guard Positioned as RAAF Amberley gate guard 19/12/2015 |
| A8-139 | D1-15 | F-111C | First
Flight 18/12/68 Delivered to RAAF 01/10/73. Crashed, 28/01/86 in the ocean near Moruya. Crew of FLTLT Stephen M. Erskine and CAPT Gregory S. Angell USAF on exchange with RAAF killed. Remains of aircraft not found.
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| A8-140 | D1-16 | F-111C | First
Flight 24/12/68 Delivered to RAAF 01/10/73. In Service 1 Sqn 11/01/80. First Pave Tack locally modified aircraft, 24/09/85. Noted at Hobart TAS in 1986, with 6 Sqn. In Service 1 Sqn. On display Amberley Airshow 10/04 on jacks undergoing undercarriage retraction/extension demonstration. Noted that it had retired and located in Amberley dump by 6/07/2010. It had its crew module removed and the stripped fuselage was in the disposal area by 02/2011. Aircraft scrapped and fuselage buried at Swanbank landfill site near Ipswich 11/2011 Crew Module was displayed in RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre. Crew module on display at Royal Australian Air Force Association Museum, Bull Creek, WA. Delivered May 2013 Delivered 02/2015 the fin and rudder are on display at South Arm RSL Tasmania. Painted with 1 Sqn on port side and 6 Sqn on starboard side
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| A8-141 | D1-17 | F-111C | First
Flight 18/12/68 Delivered to RAAF 01/10/73. Served with 6 Sqn. Crashed, 25/10/78 in the Hauraki Gulf, northeast of Waiheke Island near Auckland, New Zealand. No 6SQN had deployed to RNZAF Ohakea for Exercise Longex 78 at the time. Crew had experienced a wheel well hot warning and had opened speed brake (U/C door) to cool wheel well. After some fuel was dumped to permit landing at Mangere (Auckland airport), a fire was observed in the wheel well by the escort aircraft and after some loud muffled explosions in the wheel well area, the crew ejected. The wreckage was recovered and taken to Amberley for investigation which determined that there had been a break in the 15th stage bleed air line in the wheel well but the actual cause of the fire initiation was never positively determined. This accident led to barring of “dump & burn” after the accident as a precaution but was lifted some time later. Leading Diver Gary Jensen of the Royal New Zealand Navy unfortunately died during recovery operations on the wreckage. Crew ejected in escape module at 2,700 ft and 226 kts. Both Crew survived ejection and both later achieved Star Rank; Air Vice Marshal Dave Rogers and Air Commodore Peter Growder. This was the only overwater ejection involving an F-111 and the module worked as advertised! RAAF Ejection number 52. The crew module was retained and continually updated as a crew training aid for the next 22 years. It was also used for display at air shows around the country until the F-111 withdrawal. The crew module is now on permanent display at RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre, Qld.
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| A8-142 | D1-18 | F-111C | First
Flight 18/12/68 Delivered to RAAF 01/10/73. First production AUP Aircraft, test flown, 27/02/96. In Service with 1 Sqn 01/02/99. Took part in the Red Flag Exercise in the USA during 2002, where the RAAF F111 had a serviceability rate of 100%. In Service 1 Sqn 2002. In Service 6 Sqn 03/2007. Conducted flying displays Avalon 2007. Noted that it had retired and located in Amberley dump by 09/2010. Repainted in SEA camouflage Noted 09/2011 being readied for transport to Wagga Wagga. Departed Amberley 05/03/2012 but had to turn back due to floods Finally left 12/06/2012 arriving at Wagga Wagga 14/06/2012 On display in enclosure at gate RAAF Wagga Wagga, NSW |
| A8-143 | D1-19 | RF-111C | First
Flight 7/01/69 Delivered to RAAF 04/12/73. Modified to RF-111C by 3AD in 1980. Flew the politically controversial photographic reconnaissance sortie that photographed images of the 'Gordon-below-Franklin Dam' construction site in South West Tasmania, on the 8th of April 1983, using the call sign, 'Falcon 890'. Richmond Air Show 1988, in Service 6 Sqn at the time. Completed last mission for Interfet in East Timor. Took part in the Red Flag Exercise in the USA during 2002, where the RAAF F-111 had a serviceability rate of 100%. In Service 1 Sqn 2002. Had port mainwheel separation and made a wheels up arrested landing at Amberley 18/07/2006. It was not repaired. All F-111's grounded as a result and the fleet returned to flying status on 25/07/2006. Noted that it had retired and located in Amberley dump by 09/2010. Aircraft scrapped and fuselage buried at Swanbank landfill site near Ipswich 11/2011.
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| A8-144 | D1-20 | F-111C | First
Flight 2/01/69 Delivered to RAAF 04/12/73. Was fitted with 400 strain gauges whilst it underwent Cold Proofing 03/2002 as part of the LOT extension assessment. Named "City of Ipswich" and carried "Ipswich Celebrates 100 years" scheme on tail at Amberley Airshow 10/04. In Service 6 Sqn 03/2007. Conducted flying displays Avalon 2007. Noted that it had retired and located in Amberley dump by 09/2010 Aircraft scrapped and fuselage buried at Swanbank landfill site near Ipswich 11/2011. |
| A8-145 | D1-21 | F-111C | First
Flight 31/12/68 Delivered to RAAF 04/12/73. Richmond Airshow 1988, in Service 6 Sqn at the time. Repair of Fatigue crack in lower wing during 1996. The fatigue crack was a chordwise 48 mm crack in the critical, non-failsafe, port lower wing skin at approximately 2/3 semi span. The crack had reduced the wing's residual strength to below Design Limit Load and the repair was therefore critical. In Service 1 Sqn. Noted that it had retired and located in Amberley dump by 09/2010. Aircraft scrapped and fuselage buried at Swanbank landfill site near Ipswich 11/2011.
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| A8-146 | D1-22 | RF-111C | First
Flight 2/01/69 Delivered to RAAF 04/12/1973. Modified to RF-111C by 3AD in 1980. Flying display Richmond 1991. In Service 1 Sqn. Noted retired and placed in fenced off dump by 11/2010. Aircraft scrapped and fuselage buried at Swanbank landfill site near Ipswich 11/2011. Fin and rudder on display at Cranbourne RSL Vic. Painted with 1 Sqn on port side and 6 Sqn on starboard side
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| A8-147 | D1-23 | F-111C | First
Flight 9/01/69 Delivered to RAAF 04/12/73. Took part in the Red Flag Exercise in the USA during 2002, where the RAAF F111 had a serviceability rate of 100%. In Service 1 Sqn 2002. Avalon Airshow 2003. In Service 1 Sqn 2003. In Service 1 Sqn 01/07/03. Retired on 3/12/2010. Passed through Guard of Honor at F-111 retirement ceremony Repainted SEA camouflage scheme Allocated to Evans Head Memorial Aerodrome Heritage Aviation Association, delivered 5/08/2013 On display Evans Head Aerodrome, NSW |
| A8-148 | D1-24 | F-111C | First
Flight 17/01/69 Delivered to RAAF 04/12/73. Last to undergo AUP upgrade, back online late 1999. In Service 1 Sqn. Transferred to 6Sqn. Dropped live ordinance for the final time during Exercise Chong Ju over Puckapunyal on 12-13/05/2010. Static display at F-111 retirement ceremony on 3/12/2010. Retired on 3/12/2010. Noted 11/03/2011 in outside storage next to dump with external gaps taped over. Repainted SEA camouflage scheme Departed Amberley on 04/05/2013 for Williamtown arriving on 05/05/2013. On display Fighter World, Williamtown, NSW.
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| A8-259 | B1-31 | F-111G | Former
USAF FB-111A and F-111G 68-0259. First flight 30/08/70. The RAAF F-111G delivery flights departed from McClellan AFB (Sacramento, California) and routed via Hickam AFB, Hawaii and Pago Pago, American Samoa. Departed McClellan 22/10/93 Arrived Amberley 26/10/93 (Crew Lawrence/Riddel) Indications are that after its delivery flight this aircraft was one of 5 placed in long term storage It had not flown since its arrival at Amberley. Aircraft scrapped and fuselage buried at Swanbank landfill site near Ipswich 11/2011.
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| A8-264 | B1-36 | F-111G | Former
USAF FB-111A and F-111G 68-0264. First flight 19/10/70. The RAAF F-111G delivery flights departed from McClellan AFB (Sacramento, California) and routed via Hickam AFB, Hawaii and Pago Pago, American Samoa. Departed McClellan 11/02/94 Arrived Amberley 15/02/94 (Crew Woods/Riddel) Indications are that after its delivery flight this aircraft was one of 5 placed in long term storage It had not flown since its arrival at Amberley. Aircraft scrapped and fuselage buried at Swanbank landfill site near Ipswich 11/2011.
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| A8-265 | B1-37 | F-111G | Former
USAF FB-111A and F-111G 68-0265. First flight 28/10/70. The RAAF F-111G delivery flights departed from McClellan AFB (Sacramento, California) and routed via Hickam AFB, Hawaii and Pago Pago, American Samoa. Departed McClellan 24/09/93 Arrived Amberley 28/09/93 (Crew Lawrence/Riddel). Indications are that after its delivery flight this aircraft was one of 5 placed in long term storage It had not flown since its arrival at Amberley. Aircraft scrapped and fuselage buried at Swanbank landfill site near Ipswich 11/2011. |
| A8-270 | B1-42 | F-111G | Former
USAF FB-111A and F-111G 68-0270. First flight 25/11/70. The RAAF F-111G delivery flights departed from McClellan AFB (Sacramento, California) and routed via Hickam AFB, Hawaii and Pago Pago, American Samoa. Departed McClellan 24/09/93 Arrived Amberley 28/09/93 (Crew Seaton/Owen). Indications are that after its delivery flight this aircraft was one of 5 placed in long term storage It had not flown since its arrival at Amberley. Aircraft scrapped and fuselage buried at Swanbank landfill site near Ipswich 11/2011.
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| A8-271 | B1-43 | F-111G | Former
USAF FB-111A and F-111G 68-0271. First flight 15/11/70. The RAAF F-111G delivery flights departed from McClellan AFB (Sacramento, California) and routed via Hickam AFB, Hawaii and Pago Pago, American Samoa. Departed McClellan 14/01/94 Arrived Amberley 18/01/94 (Crew Lawrence/Millar). Performed the flyby during the 2000 Olympic games closing ceremony over the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Grounded from 12/02/02 to 2003 due to wing failures. Was in Service 6 Sqn. All F-111Gs retired by 2007. Aircraft scrapped and fuselage buried at Swanbank landfill site near Ipswich 11/2011.
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| A8-272 | B1-44 | F-111G | Former
USAF FB-111A and F-111G 68-0272. First flight 17/11/70 Served with the USAF's 428thFS/27thFW. Retired at Cannon AFB, NM on 23/09/82. Allocated to AMARC as FV0130. Later removed from storage and transported to the Sacramento ALC, McClellan AFB, CA for refurbishment and sale to Australia. Named 'Boneyard Wrangler', first and only F-111 to be recovered from the Boneyard. On arrival at AMARC the aircraft had a total of 5766.1 flight hours. The RAAF F-111G delivery flights departed from McClellan AFB (Sacramento, California) and routed via Hickam AFB, Hawaii and Pago Pago, American Samoa. Departed McClellan 06/05/94 Arrived Amberley 10/05/94 (Crew Dunlop/Riddel). Performed the flyby during the 2000 Olympic Games closing ceremony over the Olympic Stadium. Avalon Airshow 2001. Grounded from 12/02/02 to 2003 due to wing failures. Avalon 2005. Was in Service 6 Sqn RAAF. All F-111Gs retired by 2007. The Boneyard Wrangler is the only RAAF F-111G to be preserved and in 04/2009 was transported by road to RAAF Museum Point Cook. Currently on display at RAAF Museum, Point Cook, Vic.
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| A8-274 | B1-46 | F-111G | Former
USAF FB-111A and F-111G 68-0274. First flight 8/12/70. The RAAF F-111G delivery flights departed from McClellan AFB (Sacramento, California) and routed via Hickam AFB, Hawaii and Pago Pago, American Samoa. Departed McClellan 06/12/93 Arrived Amberley 10/12/93 (Crew Lawrence/Millar) Was painted in special 6 Sqn 60th Anniversary Paint Scheme. Grounded from 12/02/02 to 2003 due to wing failures. All F-111Gs retired by 2007. Aircraft scrapped and fuselage buried at Swanbank landfill site near Ipswich 11/2011. Fin and rudder displayed at RAAHC Amberley wearing 6 Squadron Battle Honors
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| A8-277 | B1-49 | F-111G | Former
USAF FB-111A and F-111G 68-0277. First flight 24/12/70. The RAAF F-111G delivery flights departed from McClellan AFB (Sacramento, California) and routed via Hickam AFB, Hawaii and Pago Pago, American Samoa. Departed McClellan 25/03/94 Arrived Amberley 29/03/94 (Crew Woods/Riddel) Nowra Airshow 1998. In Service 6 Sqn - was attached to ARDU were it played a role in the development of the Small Diameter Bomb used on the F-22 and F-35 were the SDB is carried internally. To test supersonic release they needed a supersonic aircraft with a bomb bay. Enter the RAAF's F-111G and A8-277 in particular.. Grounded from 12/02/02 to 2003 due to wing failures. All F-111Gs retired by 2007. Aircraft scrapped and fuselage buried at Swanbank landfill site near Ipswich 11/2011.
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| A8-278 | B1-50 | F-111G | Former
USAF FB-111A and F-111G 68-0278 . First flight 31/12/70. The RAAF F-111G delivery flights departed from McClellan AFB (Sacramento, California) and routed via Hickam AFB, Hawaii and Pago Pago, American Samoa. Departed McClellan 06/05/94 Arrived Amberley 10/05/94 (Crew Woods/Millar) Indications are that after its delivery flight this aircraft was one of 5 placed in long term storage It had not flown since arrival and its condition can be seen in the images taken whilst on static display during the Amberley airshow 10/04. Aircraft scrapped and fuselage buried at Swanbank landfill site near Ipswich 11/2011.
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| A8-281 | B1-53 | F-111G | Former
USAF FB-111A and F-111G 68-0281. First flight 31/12/70. The RAAF F-111G delivery flights departed from McClellan AFB (Sacramento, California) and routed via Hickam AFB, Hawaii and Pago Pago, American Samoa. Departed McClellan 06/12/93 Arrived Amberley 10/12/93 (Crew Seaton/Atkins) Avalon Airshow 1999, 2001. Grounded from 12/02/02 to 2003 due to wing failures. In Service 6 Sqn RAAF. All F-111Gs retired by 2007. Aircraft scrapped and fuselage buried at Swanbank landfill site near Ipswich 11/2011. The fin and rudder were saved currently marked as A8-143 on starboard side and RAAF Amberley Bowls Club on the port side.
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| A8-282 | B1-54 | F-111G | Former
USAF FB-111A and F-111G 68-0282. First flight 27/01/71` Won at least five Fairchild Trophies (bombing competition SAC). The RAAF F-111G delivery flights departed from McClellan AFB (Sacramento, California) and routed via Hickam AFB, Hawaii and Pago Pago, American Samoa. Departed McClellan 25/03/94 Arrived Amberley 29/03/94 (Crew Lawrence/Millar) Indications are that after its delivery flight this aircraft was one of 2 placed in long term storage to be used as a source of parts. It had not flown since arrival Its condition can be seen in the images taken whilst on static display during the Amberley airshow 10/04. Aircraft scrapped and fuselage buried at Swanbank landfill site near Ipswich 11/2011. |
| A8-291 | B1-63 | F-111G | Former
USAF FB-111A and F-111G 68-0291. First flight 30/01/71. The RAAF F-111G delivery flights departed from McClellan AFB (Sacramento, California) and routed via Hickam AFB, Hawaii and Pago Pago, American Samoa. Departed McClellan 22/10/93 Arrived Amberley 26/10/93 (Crew Seaton/Owen) 1996 Suffered damage in a towing accident at Amberley Avalon Airshow 1997, 1999. Crashed 18/04/99, while serving with 6 Sqn on night exercise out of Butterworth Malaysia. Aircraft hit the peak on the small island of Pulau Aur in the South China Sea. Flt Lt Anthony "Shorty" Short (pilot) and Sqn Ldr Stephen "Nige" Hobbs (navigator) were both killed.
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| A8-506 | B1-68 | F-111G | Former
USAF FB-111A and F-111G 69-6506. First flight 16/03/71. The RAAF F-111G delivery flights departed from McClellan AFB (Sacramento, California) and routed via Hickam AFB, Hawaii and Pago Pago, American Samoa. Departed McClellan 14/01/94 Arrived Amberley 18/01/94 (Crew Atkins/Riddel) Indications are that after its delivery flight this aircraft was one of 2 placed in long term storage to be used as a source of parts. It had not flown since arrival. Its condition can be seen in the images taken whilst on static display during the Amberley airshow 10/04. Aircraft scrapped and fuselage buried at Swanbank landfill site near Ipswich 11/2011.
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| A8-512 | B1-74 | F-111G | Former
USAF FB-111A and F-111G 69-6512. First flight 16/04/71. Carswell AFB (Fort Worth, Texas) 18/08/71 made emergency landing with only nose wheel extended. Crew Lt. Col. Bob Russell and Maj. Arben R Ely. Aircraft subsequently repaired and returned to service. The RAAF F-111G delivery flights departed from McClellan AFB (Sacramento, California) and routed via Hickam AFB, Hawaii and Pago Pago, American Samoa. Departed McClellan 06/05/94 Arrived Amberley 10/05/94 (Crew Lawrence/Owen). Nowra Airshow 1998. In Service 6 Sqn 1998. Noted Richmond 14/07/01, 6 Sqn. Grounded from 12/02/02 to 11/12/02 due to wing failures. A8-512 was the first to return with new wings. Static display RAAF East Sale open day 13/04/03, flying display West Sale Airshow 14/04/03. Avalon 2005. A8-512 made the final F-111G flight on 3/09/2007 piloted by CAF Air Marshall Geoff Shepherd. Aircraft scrapped and fuselage buried at Swanbank landfill site near Ipswich 11/2011.
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| A8-514 | B1-76 | F-111G | Former
USAF FB-111A (the last one built) and F-111G
69-6514. First flight 28/05/71. The RAAF F-111G delivery flights departed from McClellan AFB (Sacramento, California) and routed via Hickam AFB, Hawaii and Pago Pago, American Samoa. Departed McClellan 11/02/94 Arrived Amberley 15/02/94 (Crew Seaton/Owen) In Service 6 Sqn, noted Richmond 14/07/2001. Grounded from 12/02/2002 to 02/2003 due to wing failures. A8-514 was the second F-111G to return to flying. Avalon Airshow 2003. Was in Service with 6 Sqn RAAF. All F-111Gs retired by 2007. Aircraft scrapped and fuselage buried at Swanbank landfill site near Ipswich 11/2011. The fin and rudder are on display outside HQJOC Bungendore NSW. Painted with 1 Sqn on port side and 6 Sqn on starboard side
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| 63-9768 | A1-93 | GF-111A | 3rd
Pre-production F-111A. Believed used for F-111 rollout ceremony on 15/10/1964 although marked as 63-9766 (source USAF Museum) This aircraft did not have an crew escape module, but is fitted with ejection seats. The first 11 F-111As (63-9766 thru 63-9776) had ejection seats due to the module testing being incomplete. (The first 3 F-111Bs for the USN also had ejection seats). Named 'City of Graham'. Final flight 4/12/68. Used for ground training at Sheppard AFB after flight test hence GF-111A designation. Transported by road to Norfolk VA, and loaded aboard HMAS Kanimbla for shipping to Australia (1995). Transferred to HMAS Tobruk in Sydney and shipped to Brisbane. Road transport to RAAF Amberley. Was used for ground training including fuel tank de-seal/re-seal training. Despite its historical significance 63-9768 was scrapped and its fuselage buried at Swanbank landfill site near Ipswich 11/2011.
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| 67-0106 | A1-151 | F-111A | Ex
USAF. Assigned to 430th TFS. ex NA/474th TFW
10/75. MO/336th TFW 10/77. Retired to AMARC 03/07/91 (Inventory No.AAFV0076) Identified by RAAF as an attrition aircraft, but failed fatigue test prior to delivery. Airframe held in reserve at AMARC for RAAF spares. Sold 27/09/99 to RAAF as the subject for a teardown inspection being undertaken at the Defence Science & Technology Organisation' Aeronautical & Maritime Research Laboratory here in Melbourne, Australia. The airframe (minus wings & horizontal stabs). shipped from LA on the 22/10/99 aboard the 'Kapitan Konev' and arrived in Melbourne on 6/11/99. The fuselage ended up in its final resting place, on jacks, and the teardown inspection is about to begin. The inspection was designed to help identify fatigue & corrosion problems which may impact on the Australian fleet through to the (then) planned withdrawal date (PWD) of 2020. The teardown will mean dismemberment of the fuselage down to the individual component level with extensive Non Destructive Testing and fractography on all structurally significant parts and previously identified DADTA control points. It was envisaged to take between 2 to 3 years to complete the project, all parts were stored until the F-111's withdrawal date. Aircraft scrapped although some components are believed to be in the hands of private collectors.
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| 67-0107 | A1-152 | F-111A | Ex
USAF Retired to AMARC 17/07/91 (Inventory No. AAFV0066). Identified by RAAF as an attrition aircraft, but failed fatigue test prior to delivery. Airframe remained in at AMARC. Sold to HVF West, Tuscon 01/08/2008 and scrapped |
| 68-0246 | B1-18 | FB-111A | Ex
USAF FB-111A. Retired to AMARC 01/07/91 (Inventory No. AABF0008) When F-111G A8-291 suffered a towing accident at Amberley in 1996 the forward fuselage of FB-111A 68-0246 was imported from the AMARG boneyard intended to be used in the repair of A8-291 The forward fuselage was delivered to RAAF Base Amberley during 1997. It was complete with all cockpit equipment, Forward Equipment Bay equipment, and radome equipment in place. As things turned out the nose wasn't needed and it was left sitting on a pallet in Hangar 410, its equipment stripped and put into the F-111 spare parts inventory Spent some time with 278SQN as a training aid 2007 mounted on a trailer to aid mobility During 2007, the stripped and derelict 68-0246 fuselage section was transferred to 23SQN at Amberley. 23SQN members restored the fuselage section including fitting out the cockpit and fitting electrical equipment to enable operation of the interior lighting system, exterior lighting system and the intercommunications system 23 Squadron's motto is "Dauntless" so the Dauntless Pig was born. Dauntless Pig served as a recruiting aid and when the F-111s retired it went on display at RAAHC 11/2014 to FAAM Nowra and displayed for a while before going into storage at Point Cook. When the trade of A8-132 for A8-134 came about the former had already been converted for gate guard duties. This included a completely sealed cockpit with stripped out interior and blacked out glazing. 06/2018 Transferred to Edinburgh were fortunately Dauntless Pig was able to donate her vital bits to enable A8-132 to be returned to her former glory. 08/2018 Dauntless Pig moved into storage at Wagga, maybe to be a future restoration project?
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The successful organisations announced on 4th October 2012 are;
Aviation Historical Society of the Northern Territory (A8-113)
Evans Head Memorial Aerodrome Heritage Aviation Association (A8-147)
Fighter World, Williamtown, NSW (A8-148)
Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (A8-109)
Queensland Air Museum (A8-129)
South Australian Aviation Museum. (A8-134)
The following museums will get a crew module display
Royal Australian Air Force Association, Bull Creek (A8-140)
Caboolture Warbird Museum (A8-135)
Moorabbin Air Museum (A8-131)
Following the retirement of the RAAF F-111s they were all scrapped by 09/2013.
| USAF Serial.No. |
Const No. |
Aircraft Type |
AMARC Inventory No. |
AMARC Arrival Date |
Notes |
| 66-0015 | A1-33 EF-13 |
EF-111A | AAFV0317 AXFV0317 |
26/05/98 | Built
as F-111A, rebuilt to EF-111A A-model spare parts for the F-111C Sold to HVF West, Tuscon 09/2013 and scrapped.
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| 66-0046 | A1-64 EF-18 |
EF-111A | AAFV0334 AXFV0334 |
2/06/98 | Built
as F-111A, rebuilt to EF-111A A-model spare parts for the F-111C Sold to HVF West, Tuscon 09/2013 and scrapped.
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| 66-0051 | A1-69 EF-03 |
EF-111A | AAFV0332 AXFV0332 |
26/05/98 | Built
as F-111A, rebuilt to EF-111A A-model spare parts for the F-111C Sold to HVF West, Tuscon 14/02/2013 and scrapped.
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| 67-0038 | A1-83 | EF-111A | AAFV0320 | 21/04/98 | Built
as F-111A, rebuilt to EF-111A A-model spare parts for the F-111C Probably sold to HVF West and scrapped Departed AMARG between 16/09/2013 and 21/10/2013
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| 67-0091 | A1-136 | F-111A | AAFV0075 AXFV0075 |
31/07/91 | A-model
spare parts for the F-111C Photos taken as late as 2009 shown a complete preserved aircraft. I wonder if this was kept as a possible RAAF attrition/test aircraft. (It was from the same batch as the 4 F-111As previously received) Sold to HVF West, Tuscon 03/01/2013 and scrapped.
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| 67-7193 | B1-7 | F-111G | AAFV0158 | 29/03/93 | Built
as FB-111A, redesignated to F-111G FB-model spare parts for both F-111C and F-111G Sold to HVF West, Tuscon 07/11/2011 and scrapped.
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| 67-7194 | B1-8 | F-111G | AAFV0157 | 15/03/93 | Built
as FB-111A, redesignated to F-111G FB-model spare parts for both F-111C and F-111G Sold to HVF West, Tuscon 12/12/2011 and scrapped.
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| 68-0260 | B1-32 | F-111G | AAFV0161 AXFV0161 |
8/04/93 | Built
as FB-111A, redesignated to F-111G FB-model spare parts for both F-111C and F-111G Sold to HVF West, Tuscon 09/01/2013 and scrapped.
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| 72-1450 | E2-80 F-80 |
F-111F | AAFV0292 | 16/07/96 | Pave
Tack spare parts for F-111C Sold to HVF West, Tuscon 14/06/2010 and scrapped.
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| 73-0710 | E2-86 F-86 |
F-111F | AAFV0293 AXFV0293 |
16/07/96 | Pave
Tack spare parts for F-111C Sold to HVF West, Tuscon 22/02/2013 and scrapped.
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Preserved F-111 fins, rudders and horizontal stabilisers displayed around Australia
Believed to have been part of a street parade float in Toowoomba c 1991
This page revised and updated by Martin Edwards
(Original author of this page was Darren Crick)
Source: Australian Aviation Magazine, Joe Baugher's Website, DSTO Website, AMARC Experience Website, Aero magazine, Scramble website. Department of Defence Media, "From Controversy to Cutting Edge" by Marl Lax, AVM Dave Dunlop
The details of the F-111G deliveries were sourced in December 2013 by AVM Dave Dunlop in consultation with participating crew members and reference to their log books and compiled by Ron Cuskelly.
Main Photograph: RAAF Official.
Emails:
Gordon Birkett, David de Botton, John Boyes, Robert
Brosing, Georgia Carman, David Coote, Brendan Cowan,
CMDR John Crawley, Tony Curtis, Ron Cuskelly, Anthony
Devlin, Graeme Edwards, Erik-Jan Engelen, Greg
Fitzgerald, David Fredericks, Steven R Hyre, Daniel
Leahy, Martyn Swann, Peter Hancock, Grahame Higgs, Don
Logan, Clive Newland, David Niven. Dean Norman, Mick
Raftery, AVM Dave Rogers, Sqn Ldr (ret) Jim Staats,
David Bell, Colin Turner, Syd Edwards, Howard Franks.
Updated
30th April 2020
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