Hobby Master HA3026 – 1/72 RAAF Air Power Series F-111G “Boneyard Wrangler” A8-272, 6 Squadron, 1994-2007
1/72 scale pre-finished. Die-cast metal with a minimum of plastic. Professionally painted. All markings are pad applied for superb results. Crew figures. 24 Mk. 82 bombs. Model has variable-sweep wings that work. Comes with display stand. Landing gear can be displayed up or down. Extremely sought after by collectors.
The General Dynamics F-111 “Aardvark” entered service in 1967 as a medium-range aircraft
designed for interdiction and tactical strikes. The F-111 was used as an all-weather attack
aircraft capable of low-level penetration of enemy territory. It also could be used for
reconnaissance and electronic warfare. Some unique features are variable geometry wings,
the 2 crew members sat side by side in an escape capsule, internal weapons bay: terrain
following radar and afterburning turbofans. The USAF retired their last F-111 in 1998.
Originally RAAF F-111G A8-272 was USAF SAC FB-111G 68-0272. USAF 68-0272 was
retired on September 23, 1982, and sent to storage at Davis Monthan AFB, known as the
“Boneyard”. In 1992 the RAAF purchased fifteen USAF F-111s including 68-0272 that
became A8-272. The other fourteen F-111s were still in service with the USAF but 68-0272
was taken out of storage and made airworthy. 68-0272 became the only F-111 to ever fly
again, in an operational capacity earning the nickname “Boneyard Wrangler”. On May 1,
2009, A8-272 was sent to the RAAF Museum at Point Cook.
There were 34 F-111As reconfigured to F-111Gs for tactical use.
The conversion consisted of minor avionics updates and strengthening the airframe for the
new role.
General Dynamics F-111A specifications
Crew – 2 X pilot, weapon systems officer
Performance
Engines – 2 X Pratt & Whitney TF30-P-3 generating 18,500 lbs. thrust each
Maximum speed – 1,452 mph (2,336 km/h)
Cruising speed – 685 mph (1,102 km/h)
Normal Range – 3,632 miles (5,845 km)
Service Ceiling – 57,000 ft. (17,373 m)
Dimensions
Length – 73.5 ft (22.4 m)
Wingspan – 63.0 ft (19.2 m) spread; 32.0 ft (9.74 m) swept
Height – 17.13 ft (5.22 m)
Wing area – 657.4 ft² (61.07 m²) spread; 525 ft² (48.77 m²) swept
Weight
Empty – 47,481 lb (21,537 kg)
Loaded – 82,843 lb (37,577 kg)
Maximum takeoff – 98,979 lb (44,896 kg)
Armament
1 X 20mm M61A1 cannon and up to 24 conventional or nuclear weapons
Product Id: HA3026
