USAF F/EF-111 Units in Combat - Combat Aircroft : Book 102

The General Dynamics F-111 was one of the most technically innovative designs among military aircraft, introducing the variable-sweep wing, terrain-following radar, military-rated afterburning turbofan engines and a self-contained escape module among other features. Designed as a cost-saving, multi-role interceptor, naval fighter and strike bomber, its evolution prioritised the latter role and it became the USAF's most effective long-range strike aircraft during three decades of service. Rushed into combat in Vietnam before some of its structural issues were fully understood, the type suffered several early losses and gained an unfairly negative reputation that dogged it for the rest of its career, and restricted funding for more advanced versions of the design. However, in Operation Linebacker in 1972 the F-111 flew 4000 nocturnal under-the-radar missions, delivering, with unprecedented accuracy, many decisive blows that would have resulted in heavy losses for any other attack aircraft.

About the author

Peter E. Davies has specialized in the aircraft of the Vietnam and Cold War periods, analyzing tactics, background politics and technologies in combat situations. His books are always enriched by original first-hand interviews and unpublished illustrative material. Peter has also been a contributor to publications such as Aeroplane Monthly, Aviation News and Aircraft Illustrated. He lives in Bristol, UK.

Product details

• Authors: Peter Davies, Peter E. Davies
• Assisted by: Rolando Ugolini (Illustration), Ugolini Rolando (Illustration), Tony Holmes (Editor)
• Publisher: Osprey Publishers
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 20.02.2014
• EAN: 9781782003472
• ISBN: 978-1-78200-347-2
• No. of pages: 96
• Dimensions: 185 mm x 248 mm x 8 mm
• Series: Combat Aircraft; Combat Aircraft
• Subjects: Non-fiction book; military history, HISTORY / Modern / 20th Century, HISTORY / Military / Vietnam War, Military vehicles, Air forces & warfare, Warfare & defence, Later 20th century c 1950 to c 1999, Air forces and warfare, Military aircraft, HISTORY / Wars & Conflicts / Vietnam War