By the time of its retirement from the USAF in the late 1990s, the General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark had served in conflicts from Vietnam to Iraq. In this episode of Duxford in Depth, we explore Imperial War Museum Duxford's own example, “The Chief”. Watch in full: https://bit.ly/3CGsyYo | Imperial War Museum London

General Dynamics F-111E ‘Aardvark’ at Imperial War Museum Duxford, alongside the somewhat unique feature of a pressurized cockpit compartment designed to separate in the place of ejection seats. 💺 #coldwar #aardvark #warbirds #f111 #usaf #raaf | Daniel J Wheatcroft

The General Dynamics F111 was not just any other aircraft of the Cold War. It was born as part of the Tactical Fighter Experimental program ordered by Robert McNamara himself to create a plane that could fit roles requested by both the Navy and the Air Force. The F111 had a troublesome beginning in the 60s. And at the heart of it was an old grudge between the military branches. Like many of its colleagues of the epoch, the F111 had unique innovations and cons that left the two branches divided.

General Dynamics F-111F Aardvark In all, 566 F-111s of all series were built; 106 of them were production F-111Fs. The F-111F on display flew in combat with the 48th Tactical Fighter Wing in 1991 during OPERATION DESERT STORM. It arrived at the museum in May 1996. | National Museum of the U.S. Air Force