FB-111A Aardvark

f111

Located in the parking lot of the Paul Roberson Building (3133 General Hudnell Dr.)

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Excerpt from the Commemorative Plaque:

Dedicated in July 1992 - Commemorating the activation of the Air Force Materiel Command by Major General Lewis Curtis III for the Kelly Field Heritage Foundation.

The General Dynamics FB-111A Aardvark/68-0275.

Designed as a variant of General Dynamics' versatile F-111 fighter-bomber, the FB-111A served in the United States Air Force Strategic Air Command from 1968 until 1991. Dubbed the Aardvark for its long nose, the medium-range supersonic aircraft pioneered several technologies for production aircraft, including variable-sweep wings, afterburning turbofan engines and automated terrain-following radar for low-level, high-speed flight.

Intended as a replacement for the B-58 Hustler and as an accompaniment to the B-52 Stratofortress until a more advanced nuclear-armed manned bomber could be procured, the FB-111A supported the third leg of the U.S. Triad Nuclear Deterrent strike-force consisting of manned bombers, Inter-Continental Ballistic Missiles and Submarine Launched Ballistic Missiles.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Along with greater fuel capacity, strengthened landing gear, lengthened wings and a fuselage over two feet longer than that of the standard F-111, the FB-111A was equipped with advanced electronics systems that included an improved attack radar, internal navigation system, digital computers and multi-function displays to support its role as a nuclear-armed strategic bomber. Its variable wing design, extending out for slow-speeds and sweeping back for high-speeds, enabled the aircraft to operate a peak performance in sub-sonic and supersonic flight.

The FB-111A had a total weapons load of 35,500 pounds, making it a credible threat to any adversary before the ceasing of its production in 1971.

Kelly Field workers provided support and electronic test equipment for this versatile aircraft, including a major acquisition of replacement automatic test equipment.