A Dale Brown-inspired F-111

[KiwiZac]

The FB-111E was an interim solution to the lingering need for a deep-penetration aircraft with no need for additional support aircraft. In essence, a strike aircraft with long range with both air-to-air and comprehensive jamming ability.
Following the success of the EB-52I Megafortress Plus, project directors at the High-technology Aerospace Weapons Center in Nevada decided a similar conversion of the FB-111A/F-111G would be ideal for the role. To this end, one of the six former Strategic Air Command F-111G airframes held by the Strategic Air Reserve Group was acquired for the FB-111E project, codenamed TWILIGHT TEAR. The first action under TWILIGHT TEAR was the disassembly of airframe 69-6509 and total rebuild using fibresteel. This not only helped to lighten the airframe, but also make it stronger and less radar reflective. Limited use of radar-absorbent materials around the engine intakes and wing leading edges also assisted in the new low-observable characteristics. A vertical stabilizer and rudder of new design was fitted, increasing stability while removing the need for the two ventral strakes.
The original escape-capsule of the F/B-111s was removed in favour of simpler ejection seats, thus cutting down on weight.
Due to the rapid development by HAWC technicians of terrain-following radar, the PAVE TACK pod system, although highly advanced when originally fielded, was made redundant. The space originally occupied by PAVE TACK was then made available for extra fuel.
An M61 cannon was fitted in the left "wing glove" fairing forward of the mainplane, and a new chaff/flare dispenser fitted between the two GE F101 turbofan exhausts. The original hardpoints allowing for carriage of more than 31,000lb of underwing ordnance remained unchanged, save for the ability to carry AIM-120C AMRAAM and AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles. Additionally, under and between the engine exhausts was fitted an AN/ALQ-131 ECM pod. The main landing gear was moved outward, allowing for carriage of weapons on the centreline.
TWILIGHT TEAR came to its conclusion on March 15 1995, when test article 69-6509 flew at Groom Lake AFB for the first time.





1:144 Minicraft knock-off F-111, pics coming soon.

[KiwiZac]

You like?

[Sauragnmon]

Looks interesting so far, and in skimming the project, it begs one thought - if you're rendering Pave Tack redundant, you could also turn around and open up the weapons bay again, as the Pave Tack removed the use of the payload bay.

[KiwiZac]

That was my initial thought, but the bigger engines needed more gas Good idea though.

[Sauragnmon]

You might consider giving it a little bit more of a spine if you want to up the fuel capacity.  Remember though, the engines in the F-111 were TF-30's, so you could drop in high end F-110's off the -15E or -16 instead and spool up some real nice thrust without oversizing the engine bays.

[Shasper]

And in place of the Pave Tack you could reinstall the old M61 setup that the F-111As & Es sported. . .

Shas

[pyro-manic]

Looks pretty good from here! What about stealthy Superbug intakes, and a Vigilante-style humpback? That would provide lots of extra volume for fuel and all manner of electronic worky bits (highly technical term, that!), in addition to looking very, very cool....

[noxioux]

Once again, methinks we need a dale brown GB. . .

[KiwiZac]

AGREED! I need a reason to build another EB-52..............................