F-111E Aardvark | F-111F Aardvark | EF-111A Raven |
The F-111E Aardvark is an American plane that appears Wargame: AirLand Battle.
History[]
The General Dynamics F-111 "Aardvark" is a medium-range interdictor and tactical strike aircraft that also filled the roles of strategic bomber, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare in its various versions. Developed in the 1960s by General Dynamics, it first entered service in 1967 with the United States Air Force. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) also ordered the type and began operating F-111Cs in 1973.
The F-111 pioneered several technologies for production aircraft, including variable-sweep wings, afterburning turbofan engines, and automated terrain-following radar for low-level, high-speed flight. Its design influenced later variable-sweep wing aircraft, and some of its advanced features have since become commonplace. During its initial development, the F-111 suffered a variety of problems, and several of its intended roles, such as naval interception, with the F-111B, failed to materialize.F-111E was a intern upgrade of the F-111 due to delays of F-111D upgrade. F-111E retain the F-111A's TF30-P-3 engines and Mark I avionics but gained Triple Plow II intake and improved weapon stores management system.
These were used by 27th Tactical Fighter Wing between 1971–1972 and 20th Tactical Fighter Wing between 1971–1993.
Overview[]
AirLand Battle[]
The F-111E "Aardvark" is a medium-strike platform available to American and NATO decks. The aircraft carries twelve Mk.82 227kg bombs, allowing the type to strike a large area. The Mk.82 has fair power; although not as strong as the Mk.83 or truly devastating Mk.84, with an HE power of 10, it is dangerous to enemy infantry and lightly armored vehicles. The F-111E's large compliment of these bombs makes the aircraft good for attacking cities, or forests where units can become bunched up. It is a fast aircraft, with a top speed of 1000km/h, and so can get to its target area, drop, and evac quickly, spending little time over threat territory.
The major drawbacks of the F-111E are its poor ECM and lack of any air to air missiles. Although fast, the F-111E is vulnerable to long-range SAMs, and enemy AAMs. A fighter escort is highly advisable if enemy aircraft are anticipated to be in the area.
Red Dragon[]
The F-111E "Aardvark" in Wargame: Red Dragon was very similar in configuration compared to AirLand Battle prior to the Netherlands DLC. Since, it has seen a variety of updates; it is now a 130-point medium-strike platform with twelve M117 340kg bombs and an ECM improvement to 30% (a significant boost from ALB). Although now more powerful and more survivable, the F-111E's advantages and disadvantages still remain largely the same in Red Dragon as they are in AirLand Battle.