Hobby Master 1/72 HA3015 F-111F Aardvark 74-0178, 494th FS CO, 1992
The General Dynamics F-111 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 but the RAAF continued to use theirs.
Built by General Dynamics in 1974 as c/n E2-96 F-111F 74-0178 spent a great deal of time assigned to the 494th FS/48th FW “Panthers” stationed at RAF Lakenheath, UK. The 494th FS was re-activated in July 1952 and has been located at RAF Lakenheath since 1950. They have been equipped with F-84s, F-86s, F-100s, F-4s, F-111Fs until 1992 and presently F- 15Es. Since reforming in 1952, the squadron has flown in Operation El Dorado Canyon (raid on Libya), Operation Desert Storm, Operation Allied Force and Operation Iraqi Freedom.